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| Gaza in Crisis: Ceasefire Violations, Brutal Attacks, and Mass Starvation. |
JAKARTA – The situation in the Gaza Strip continues to deteriorate as mid-2025 approaches. Following Israel’s violation of the ceasefire agreement, military attacks have resumed, causing a significant number of casualties, particularly among civilians. The ongoing blockade has worsened the humanitarian crisis, leading to mass starvation and a severe shortage of clean water. The international community, including Indonesia, has become increasingly vocal in condemning Israel’s actions, which are viewed as violations of international law and human rights.
Ceasefire Violations and the Return of Brutal Attacks
In mid-March 2025, the Israeli military launched air and ground strikes on several areas in Gaza, including Khan Younis and Rafah—areas previously designated as safe zones for civilians. These attacks marked a unilateral breach of the previously agreed ceasefire.
In just under 48 hours, more than 100 Palestinians were killed. Homes were destroyed, public facilities crippled, and many families left homeless. The most alarming aspect is that a majority of the victims were women and children.
This move drew sharp criticism from humanitarian organizations and countries that have long played a mediating role in the conflict. Many parties described the actions as disproportionate military aggression and a violation of humanitarian principles.
Mass Starvation and a Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
The total blockade on Gaza, imposed since early March 2025, has become the main driver of the escalating famine. The closure of entry points at the Karm Abu Salem and Beit Hanoun borders has prevented humanitarian aid trucks from entering the territory. As a result, Gazans have been cut off from food, clean water, and medicine.
Famine has spread rapidly, with reports from multiple humanitarian agencies indicating that nearly half of Gaza’s population is now suffering from severe malnutrition. Children are the most vulnerable, with a significant rise in cases of acute malnutrition.
Access to clean water is also critically limited. Many residents are forced to consume salty or contaminated water, leading to digestive illnesses and skin infections. Hospitals are overwhelmed and unable to accommodate the growing number of patients due to a severe lack of medical supplies and equipment.
Riots and Looting Out of Desperation
Amid extreme hunger, several parts of Gaza have erupted in unrest. Frustrated and desperate residents have begun storming shops and aid warehouses. One of the most striking incidents was a mass looting at a UNRWA facility—the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
Thousands reportedly swarmed the facility in search of food, water, and medicine. During the chaos, many vehicles and supplies were damaged. Aid workers say the incident reflects the collapse of social order and the depth of despair among Gazans.
This unrest has further strained international aid organizations operating in the region. Many are now reconsidering their presence due to the worsening security conditions.
Casualties and Infrastructure Devastation
Since the conflict reignited in October 2023, the death toll in Gaza has exceeded 52,000. The majority of the victims have been civilians, including more than 20,000 women and children. Injuries have surpassed 118,000, with many victims suffering permanent disabilities due to severe wounds and limited medical care.
Critical infrastructure—such as hospitals, schools, and water systems—has suffered extensive damage or total destruction. More than half of Gaza’s healthcare facilities are no longer operational. Residents are living in emergency tents with no access to electricity, clean water, or proper sanitation.
Global Condemnation
Countries around the world have strongly condemned Israel’s actions. At the International Court of Justice session held in early May 2025, Indonesia declared that Israel had violated international law, including the UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions. Indonesia’s Foreign Minister stated that Israel’s actions have stripped Palestinians of their right to live in safety and to self-determination.
Condemnation has also come from European and Latin American nations, as well as organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. They are calling for an independent investigation into alleged war crimes in Gaza. The push to impose sanctions on Israel is growing, particularly among countries with large Muslim populations.
However, so far, the UN Security Council has failed to take concrete action to halt the attacks or open humanitarian access to Gaza. Veto power from major countries such as the United States remains a key obstacle to the adoption of firm resolutions against Israel.
A Crisis Beyond Armed Conflict
The current state of Gaza goes beyond ordinary armed conflict—it has escalated into a full-scale humanitarian crisis. The violation of ceasefires, relentless military assaults, and total blockade have caused immense suffering for millions of Palestinians.
The world cannot remain silent. Concrete steps are needed to end the violence, open humanitarian corridors, and uphold international justice. The people of Gaza need solidarity and real action from the global community—not just words of condemnation.
If this situation continues, it is not only the future of Palestine that is at stake, but also the credibility of international law and the core values of humanity that the world claims to uphold.
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