In an interview from Khan Younis, Gaza, journalist Roueda Ammer provides a harrowing first-hand account of the catastrophic humanitarian crisis unfolding amidst the ongoing war. She details the dual threats of relentless bombing and a severe, life-threatening famine, emphasizing that hunger has become a more immediate danger than the airstrikes for many. Ammer describes the complete failure of the aid system, where land convoys are looted due to a lack of security and dangerous airdrops prove insufficient and unsafe. She highlights the collapse of local food sources, with farmland bulldozed and access to the sea blocked, causing food prices to skyrocket. The testimony extends to the overwhelmed healthcare system, where starving doctors struggle to treat an influx of patients in hospitals with no available beds. Sharing personal stories of her own physical exhaustion and her mother's inability to recover from surgery due to malnutrition, Ammer issues a desperate plea for a ceasefire, stating it is the only viable solution to end the suffering and allow the people of Gaza to survive.
A First-Hand Account of Starvation and War in Gaza
00:37 The Dual Crisis of Bombing and Starvation: Roueda Ammer describes life in Gaza as being under the constant threat of both heavy bombing and a severe, life-threatening famine. She states, "You will not die from the pumping. You will die from the hunger."
01:56 Widespread Hunger and Malnutrition: Residents are receiving less than half a meal a day, with many, including children, going without any food at all. Roueda personally subsists on one small, non-nutritious meal of beans, which leaves her with no energy to work or even think clearly.
03:26 Failure of Aid Delivery: Promised aid is not reaching the people. Roueda explains that a breakdown in security allows "mafias and thieves" to attack aid trucks. Furthermore, civilians who attempt to get food from distribution centers are often attacked and killed, making the process incredibly dangerous.
07:43 Collapse of Local Food Systems: Gaza's local food production has been destroyed. Israeli forces have bulldozed farmland, and fishermen are attacked if they approach the sea. As a result, basic vegetables are scarce and prohibitively expensive, with one kilogram of tomatoes costing $40.
10:28 Airdrops Are Ineffective and Dangerous: While she thanks countries for their efforts, Roueda states that airdropping aid is not a viable solution. The parcels are insufficient for 2 million people, land in dangerous or inaccessible areas, and can cause injury by falling on tents. She insists the only way to help is to stop the war and open land crossings safely.
13:49 A Plea to the World: Seeing global protests gives Gazans strength and hope. Her message is that the people are exhausted beyond measure and desperately need the war to stop so they can rest, sleep without bombing, and eat.
15:33 Personal Health Crises: The lack of nutritious food creates severe health issues. Roueda’s mother recently underwent an operation but cannot recover properly due to malnutrition. Roueda fears for her mother's life, highlighting how the famine impacts every aspect of health and survival.
18:15 Overwhelmed Hospitals: The hospital she is in is at a breaking point. There are no beds available for patients—her mother was sent home on the same day as her surgery. Doctors and staff are also suffering from extreme fatigue and hunger, making it nearly impossible for them to continue their work.
23:53 Clinging to Hope for a Ceasefire: The daily routine for Gazans is consumed by following the news, desperately hoping for a ceasefire agreement. Their collective mood rises and falls with political statements, as they see a permanent end to the war as their only chance for survival.