Bob Geldof⁢ Slams Israeli Government’s Gaza Actions ⁣as⁣ “despicable Disgrace,” Cites Purposeful Starvation⁣ of Children

Live Aid founder bob Geldof has issued a scathing condemnation of the Israeli government’s role in the Gaza crisis, labeling their actions a “despicable ⁢disgrace” and accusing them⁢ of deliberately starving children.

geldof,⁣ a prominent figure in humanitarian⁤ aid, expressed his profound‍ dismay during an appearance on the Irish television program Prime time, stating that the⁤ Israeli government and potentially its army are “clearly out of control.” He extended his criticism too the israeli populace, asserting that their allowance of⁢ such actions in their name is equally a “despicable disgrace.”

“It is so utterly ⁢bizarre that we’re talking about⁢ Israel,⁣ given the horror of their own⁤ past. It is⁢ bewildering to me,” Geldof remarked, drawing a stark parallel to ancient ⁢atrocities.

As the founding patron of the Aegis Trust for Genocide Studies, affiliated with the british National Holocaust Museum, Geldof shared his deep connection with Holocaust survivors. He posited that if⁣ these survivors were alive today, they woudl “possibly die of shame” at the ⁣current events unfolding in⁣ Gaza. “The shame of this, Miriam, the shame for Israel… ⁢This is unconscionable,” he told⁣ presenter Miriam O’Callaghan.

Geldof’s impassioned remarks come amidst escalating warnings from United nations agencies regarding⁣ catastrophic levels of starvation in Gaza.

UN⁤ Agencies Detail Dire Humanitarian Crisis

Earlier in the program, Louise⁣ Wateridge, ⁢a senior emergency officer with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), painted a grim picture of the⁤ situation on the ground. She described conditions ‍as⁢ “entirely unbearable,” with individuals resorting to stepping over bodies at aid centers in a desperate search for sustenance.

Wateridge highlighted that over 6,000 aid trucks, many carrying essential ⁣food and medical ⁣supplies, are⁣ currently being held⁤ up‍ just outside Gaza due to Israeli restrictions.

The ⁢UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has⁣ also issued a stark warning, noting that ongoing bombardment‍ and mass displacement have rendered‍ meaningful portions of Gaza inaccessible ⁣for humanitarian operations. UNICEF reports that basic health and nutrition‍ services are nearing collapse.

Aid Workers witness ⁣Unprecedented Suffering

Geldof’s appearance followed a report that featured harrowing footage and images of malnourished and hungry children in Gaza.

Oxfam aid worker⁢ Bushra Khalidi, featured in the report, characterized Israel’s actions as “collective punishment.” Caroline Willeman ⁢of Doctors Without Borders, speaking from northern Gaza, conveyed her shock, stating she had “never witnessed anything ⁤like what she is seeing currently during her career.”

Willeman ⁣recounted the devastating reality faced by ⁤Palestinian colleagues who, while caring for sick and dying children, are themselves unable ⁤to secure ⁢food for themselves or their ‍own⁣ families. She‍ unequivocally stated, “We are witnessing a genocide,”‍ explaining that this is evident in the systematic denial⁤ of food and water to ⁤vulnerable populations.

“It literally is beyond our comprehension. Look at your face, look at the ⁣aid workers there,” Geldof implored, reflecting on the images. “What are we living in? I cannot look at those pictures. Obviously, they remind me of 1984, but in completely different circumstances.”

Geldof’s reference to 1984 alludes to the devastating famine in Ethiopia, wich he and Midge Ure responded to by founding Band Aid in 1984, followed ⁣by the monumental Live Aid concert in 1985, aimed at raising funds for famine⁢ relief.