The humanitarian crisis in Gaza persists despite claims of a ceasefire, according to Mosab Abu Toha, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Palestinian poet and author. In a recent interview, Abu Toha asserted that the situation remains catastrophic, describing it as “still a genocide, ongoing.” This statement comes in light of a new study published in The Lancet, which estimates that over 75,000 violent deaths occurred in Gaza during the first 16 months of conflict, significantly higher than the 49,000 deaths reported by the Palestinian Health Ministry.
Abu Toha, who left Gaza in 2023 after experiencing imprisonment and violence at the hands of Israeli forces, expressed deep concern for the conditions faced by those still in the region. He highlighted the ongoing violence, stating that Israel has conducted numerous strikes despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire initiated in October 2023. According to Abu Toha, since this ceasefire began, Israeli forces have killed over 642 individuals, including 197 children, which he likened to the loss of “10 classroom students in a public school in the United States.”
Abu Toha shared that many residents of Gaza live in dire conditions, lacking access to clean water and essential food supplies. “Some food trucks are entering,” he noted, “but those are not the essential food that people in Gaza need in order to survive.” He emphasized that approximately 20,000 patients are in urgent need of medical evacuation, yet only a fraction have received the necessary permits to leave.
The poet’s comments come on the heels of controversial statements by Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, who suggested that Israel has a divine right to expand its territory. Responding to Huckabee’s remarks, Abu Toha stated, “As a Palestinian, I don’t belong to anywhere else than Palestine,” sharing his family’s history in Yaffa before their expulsion in 1948. He criticized the ambassador’s perspective, questioning the absence of acknowledgment for the Palestinian people who call the land home.
The ongoing crisis has drawn international attention, yet Abu Toha expressed disappointment with the response from global leaders. He pointed out that the U.S. administration’s policies under former President Donald Trump have not fostered peace. Recently, Trump announced plans to invest $10 billion in a so-called Board of Peace, which has been met with skepticism. Abu Toha suggested that efforts should be directed toward justice rather than superficial reconstruction plans.
“The situation is horrific,” Abu Toha reiterated. “How about we adhere to the resolutions and international law when it comes to the Palestinian people?” He called for a halt to U.S. military support for Israel, urging that resources be redirected towards humanitarian needs in Gaza.
As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, the narratives surrounding the conflict continue to evolve, with voices like Abu Toha’s highlighting the urgent need for global awareness and action. His poignant testimony serves as a reminder of the human impact of political decisions and the enduring plight faced by many in Gaza.
