The situation in Rafah has reached a critical point, with over 1.5 million Palestinians displaced and facing dire conditions without access to food, clean water, or medicine.

Tragically, more than 13,000 children have lost their lives at the hands of the Israeli government, with another child falling victim every 15 minutes.

The harrowing scenes of families being torn apart and loved ones buried under rubble have left lasting trauma on the survivors, including children as young as five expressing a preference for death.

Amidst the ongoing violence, Palestinians in Gaza are now grappling with the additional threat of starvation.

Shockingly, at least 27 children and three adults have already succumbed to hunger, resorting to desperate measures such as consuming grass and animal feed to stay alive.

This deliberate tactic of using starvation as a weapon of war by the Israeli government has exacerbated the suffering of innocent civilians, targeting local food production and obstructing vital aid deliveries.

Recent events have further highlighted the brutality faced by Palestinians, as over 112 individuals lost their lives when Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd waiting to collect essential supplies like flour.

The intentional starvation of an entire population is nothing short of a heinous crime against humanity, pushing families to the brink of survival in a bid to assert dominance.

The proposed legislation to increase funding for Israel while cutting support to organizations like UNRWA, which provide crucial aid to Palestinians, only adds to the humanitarian crisis.

One heart-wrenching story that epitomizes the tragedy unfolding in Gaza is that of Yazan, a 10-year-old boy who succumbed to malnutrition and lack of medical care due to the blockade.

His family’s desperate attempts to find help in Rafah, after being displaced multiple times, ended in tragedy as they were unable to save him.

The plea for basic humanity echoes loudly as innocent lives hang in the balance, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to prevent further loss.

As tensions escalate, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s threats of a potential invasion loom large, casting a shadow of fear over an already devastated population.

The call for a temporary ceasefire, while a step in the right direction, falls short of addressing the root cause of the crisis.

What is needed is a lasting and permanent cessation of hostilities to ensure the safety and well-being of Palestinian families, who deserve the right to live in peace and security.

The global community must not turn a blind eye to the unfolding tragedy in Rafah and beyond.