Amid a worsening hunger crisis in Gaza, Hanna Massad, a former pastor of Gaza Baptist Church, remains closely connected to his homeland. His nonprofit, Christian Mission to Gaza (CMG), now based in the U.S., distributes up to 3,000 hot meals monthly across Gaza. Using local cooks and wrapped portions, CMG delivers food safely to tent camps. Once including chicken, the meals now consist mostly of rice and vegetables due to extreme shortages and soaring meat prices.
Churches and Civilians Face Severe Malnutrition
Massad hears daily from friends reporting dizziness and illness from hunger. The situation has reached critical levels, with the World Health Organization confirming dozens of recent child deaths due to malnutrition. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s denials, international bodies and journalists have declared famine conditions present. Massad says food deliveries are now essential for survival and ministry.
International Aid Efforts Marred by Violence and Mismanagement
Since Israel ended its blockade in May, the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has taken over large-scale food distribution. Supported by the U.S. and Israel, GHF has faced deadly attacks from Hamas and armed gangs, with eight workers killed. The UN criticizes GHF for exposing civilians to Israeli fire and failing to meet basic needs. Still, GHF claims it has provided over 115 million meals.
Critics Question Both UN and Israeli Strategy
Humanitarian leaders like Ken Isaacs of Samaritan’s Purse accuse the UN of inefficiency, citing 900 aid trucks sitting unused and rotting. Isaacs witnessed severe food insecurity, though he stops short of calling it famine. Meanwhile, Joshua Youssef of Help the Persecuted says both Hamas and Israel manipulate aid and information, making verified reporting nearly impossible.
Faith-Based Efforts Aim to Bring Hope Amid Chaos
Despite risks, Christian groups like CMG continue their outreach. Massad says Christians in Gaza live cautiously due to religious pressure, but food aid allows them to demonstrate compassion. “We are present here among the people,” he said, “reflecting Christ’s love in a practical way.”
Source:
Gaza’s Hunger Crisis Is Worsening. On the Ground, Complexities Abound.
Photo by mohammed al bardawil on Unsplash
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