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Front Burner When hunger is a weapon
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Jun 3, 2025 In this discussion, Alex de Waal, the executive director of the World Peace Foundation and author of ‘Mass Starvation: The History and Future of Famine,’ sheds light on the grim reality of food weaponization in Gaza. He addresses the alarming humanitarian crisis, the psychological toll of starvation, and the historical context of famine as a political issue. De Waal also explores the resurgence of famine worldwide, illustrating how conflicts exacerbate food insecurity, and critiques the effectiveness of current humanitarian responses amidst complex geopolitical tensions.
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Famine as a Political Crime
- Most famines historically are caused by man-made actions such as war and political repression, not natural disasters.
- Viewing famine as a natural disaster promotes charity over political action and obscures accountability.
Long-Term Trauma of Starvation
- Starvation causes prolonged humiliation and societal trauma, lasting generations, as victims endure shame and make unthinkable choices.
- This trauma can silence discussions about famine for decades, as seen in Ireland after the Great Hunger.
Control and Chaos of Gaza Aid
- Israel exercises total control over food in Gaza, using a blockade and military contractors to oversee aid distribution.
- The aid system is fragmented, inadequate, and untrusted, causing chaos and desperation among Gaza's starving population.
