U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee didn't hold back on Monday when nearly 30 Western countries issued a joint statement calling for Israel to end the war in Gaza. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Huckabee slammed these countries, saying bluntly, “When Hamas thinks you do good work, you are doing evil.” This bold comment underscores the deep tensions and conflicting narratives surrounding the ongoing conflict.
The Root of the Conflict: Hamas’ Terrible Terror Attack
Let’s rewind a bit. The current Gaza war ignited after Hamas launched a brutal mass terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This violent assault left scores of Israeli civilians dead and dozens more taken hostage, sparking a fierce military response from Israel. Now, months into the conflict, emotions and accusations run high on both sides.
Hamas, whose actions triggered the war, shockingly welcomed the joint statement issued by the UK government and 25 other countries calling for an immediate end to the fighting in Gaza. In their statement, Hamas accused Israel of a “policy of starvation” aimed at the Gaza Strip’s civilian population, claiming people were dying due to hunger-related causes.
The Controversy Over Aid and Starvation Claims
These accusations sparked major international debate. The joint statement condemned the killing of over 800 Palestinian civilians near aid checkpoints controlled by the U.S. and Israel, describing it as “brutal.” The UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, alongside foreign ministers from 28 countries, expressed deep concern over the escalating civilian suffering, saying, “The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths.”
But Israel and the U.S. have pushed back hard against the starvation claims. They insist these reports are inaccurate or exaggerated. Israel points to efforts to distribute humanitarian aid through a new model launched in May, designed to get food directly to families and prevent Hamas from stealing aid supplies and selling them for profit.
Israel’s Defense: Protecting Civilians and Fighting Terror
Israeli officials emphasize they do not target civilians but rather issue warning shots to control crowds near aid distribution points. Since May, the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) has delivered around 85 million meals to Gaza residents, working to mitigate the humanitarian crisis despite the ongoing conflict.
Israeli opposition leader Benny Gantz, who has a long background in Israel’s security establishment including serving as IDF Chief of Staff and Defense Minister, voiced strong support for Israel’s approach. Writing on X, he said, “Israel has never starved or targeted civilians. It goes above and beyond to protect civilians in the most complex war zones.” He made clear that the responsibility for civilian harm lies solely with Hamas, the terrorist group.
Conflicting Reports on Hunger and Malnutrition in Gaza
Despite these reassurances, the situation on the ground remains grim. Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Gaza’s Al-Shifa Medical Complex, claimed on Tuesday that 21 children have died recently due to malnutrition and starvation. He warned that hospitals are continuously seeing new cases arriving, reflecting a worsening humanitarian situation.
However, experts monitoring the situation offer a more nuanced view. Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at Tel Aviv’s Institute for National Security Studies, told Fox News Digital he hasn’t seen any official evidence confirming deaths from starvation. While international organizations have issued dire warnings predicting tens of thousands could die from hunger if conditions worsen, he believes actual starvation deaths have not yet occurred.
Michael argues that supply disruptions largely stem from Hamas’s actions rather than Israeli policies. According to him, “Hamas loots, robs, and steals humanitarian aid, feeding themselves first and selling the rest at exorbitant prices.” This allegation paints a picture of Hamas exploiting aid meant for civilians to maintain power and fund terror operations.
Hamas Under Pressure: Financial and Operational Struggles
Israeli efforts to cut off Hamas’s access to aid and weaken its control over Gaza seem to be yielding results. A recent report from The Washington Post highlighted that Hamas is experiencing its worst financial and administrative crisis in decades. The terror group reportedly struggles to pay its fighters and maintain its extensive network of underground tunnels, many of which are believed to house dozens of hostages kidnapped during the October attack.
Sources close to Israeli intelligence and the military say Hamas’s ability to sustain its campaign against Israel and maintain control over Gaza is faltering. This raises questions about how the group will operate moving forward — whether it can regroup or if internal fractures will emerge.
The Diplomatic Divide: Why the Joint Statement Was So Controversial
The joint statement from nearly 30 countries calling for an immediate ceasefire was meant to highlight humanitarian concerns, but it ended up fueling controversy. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gidon Saar responded sharply on X, saying, “If Hamas embraces you — you are in the wrong place.” Saar suggested that some countries acted out of misguided good intentions, while others were motivated by an obsession with criticizing Israel.
This split among Western nations reveals the complicated geopolitics surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict. On one side, many countries emphasize the urgent need to protect civilians and halt the violence. On the other, Israel and its staunch supporters argue that condemning Israel without equally blaming Hamas enables terrorism and undermines Israel’s right to defend itself.
The Broader Picture: A Complex and Tragic War
As the war in Gaza drags into its 22nd month, the human toll is staggering on both sides. Israeli civilians live under constant threat from Hamas rocket attacks, while Gazans suffer from the consequences of a blockade, damaged infrastructure, and disruptions to aid.
The international community remains deeply divided on how to end the conflict. Calls for ceasefires clash with concerns about enabling terror groups. Meanwhile, on the ground, ordinary people continue to face unbearable hardships.
Key Takeaways:
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Hamas launched a devastating terror attack in October 2023, sparking the current war in Gaza.
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Nearly 30 Western countries called for an immediate end to the conflict, citing humanitarian concerns.
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Hamas welcomed the ceasefire call but accused Israel of starving Gaza’s population — claims Israel denies.
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Israel and the U.S. run a major aid program delivering millions of meals, despite challenges at checkpoints.
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Experts say Hamas diverts and sells aid to fund terror, complicating relief efforts.
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Hamas is reportedly in its worst financial crisis ever, struggling to maintain fighters and infrastructure.
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Israeli leaders emphasize their efforts to protect civilians and blame Hamas exclusively for civilian casualties.
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The diplomatic divide among Western nations shows differing priorities and political pressures.
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The war’s human toll remains devastating with no easy solution in sight.
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