Urgent Appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Intervention in Gaza Crisis
The ongoing wars between Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza have raised profound questions about humanity on the global stage. While Ukraine, despite being relatively weaker against a nuclear-armed Russia, is defending itself with the support of powerful nations like the United States, United Kingdom, and France, the situation in Gaza is starkly different. Israel, a militarily and economically strong nation, also enjoys the full backing of countries like the US, UK, France, and Australia. In contrast, the people of Gaza are not only deprived of weapons but also lack basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care. Yet, the courage and resilience with which Gazans are facing this inhumane crisis serve as both a testament to their strength and a lesson for the world.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: A Shadow of Starvation and Death
According to recent reports from the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO), no humanitarian aid has reached Gaza in the past 65 days due to Israel’s blockade. This has turned Gaza into a “desert of food availability,” with 500,000 people facing starvation. Notably, 15,000 children are on the brink of death due to starvation and lack of medical care. The WHO has warned that thousands of children could die in the coming days if immediate aid is not provided. Over 60,000 children under five in Gaza are suffering from acute malnutrition, and 300,000 children urgently need supplementary nutrition. Additionally, 16,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are also battling malnutrition.
Israel’s blockade has not only halted food and water supplies but also prevented medicines and fuel from reaching hospitals, leading to a complete collapse of healthcare services. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has reported that Israeli attacks have systematically destroyed Gaza’s healthcare system, an act that could be classified as a war crime.
Ukraine and Gaza: A Double Standard
A comparison between Ukraine and Gaza highlights the international community’s double standards. Ukraine receives military, economic, and humanitarian aid from NATO and Western countries, enabling it to resist Russian aggression. In contrast, Gaza’s people have neither military support nor sufficient humanitarian aid. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi rightly asked, “If blocking food and medical supplies to civilians in Ukraine is a war crime, why is it not considered a war crime in Gaza?”
The international community, including NATO, the UN, human rights organizations, and the WHO, has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza. However, no concrete action has been taken on the ground. The UN has warned that Gaza’s entire 2.1 million population is facing food insecurity, and 19 months of conflict, displacement, and blockade have made the situation catastrophic. Yet, no significant pressure has been exerted on Israel, leaving Gazans to struggle against starvation, bombings, and diseases.
Gaza’s Strength: A Lesson for Humanity
The people of Gaza, despite lacking weapons, food, and water, are confronting this war with unparalleled resilience, serving as an inspiration for humanity. Their struggle is not just about survival but about showing the world that standing against oppression is a fundamental human duty. As stated, this is not merely a test of Gaza’s people but of the 8 billion people worldwide. The core principle of every religion—opposing injustice and upholding justice—seems to be faltering in Gaza today. If we remain silent in the face of this oppression, we fail the moral and ethical standards set by the divine.
Urgent Need for a Ceasefire
The need for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza cannot wait any longer. The international community must abandon its double standards and take concrete steps to save innocent lives in Gaza. The following measures are urgently required:
Ceasefire: An immediate and permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas must be implemented.
Humanitarian Aid: Unhindered access to food, water, medicines, and fuel must be ensured for Gaza.
Healthcare Services: Immediate resources and assistance must be provided to rebuild Gaza’s devastated healthcare system.
Accountability: War crimes must be investigated, and those responsible—whether from the Israeli military or Hamas—must be held accountable.
International Pressure: NATO, the UN, and other organizations must pressure Israel to lift the blockade and allow aid to reach Gaza.
A Question to the World
If the world can unite for Ukraine, why not for Gaza? When we remain silent while witnessing images of children dying from starvation, where is our humanity? The crisis in Gaza is not just a regional issue but a question of global morality. If we ignore the cries of Gaza’s innocents today, history will remember us as silent spectators to injustice.
Appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, your intervention is urgently needed to stop the massacre of humanity in Gaza. India, as a global advocate for peace and the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), has a significant role to play on the world stage. We urge you to raise your voice and take decisive action to push for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza. This is not just a matter of saving lives in Gaza but of upholding the values of humanity and justice that India stands for.
Jai Hind, Jai Bharat
