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Johnson on Gaza hunger crisis: 'Hamas has stolen the food'

House Speaker Johnson Defends Israel Amid Gaza Food Crisis Allegations

In a pointed address on Capitol Hill, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) staunchly defended Israel's handling of humanitarian aid in Gaza, dismissing widespread reports of famine and food shortages as exaggerated or politically motivated. Speaking during a press conference focused on foreign aid and Middle East policy, Johnson argued that Israel has been unfairly maligned in the international community, particularly regarding accusations that its military operations have exacerbated a humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory. His remarks come at a time of heightened tension between the U.S. and Israel over the ongoing war in Gaza, which has drawn global scrutiny for its impact on civilian populations.

Johnson's comments were centered on the issue of food access in Gaza, where humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations and various NGOs, have warned of an impending famine affecting hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. According to Johnson, these claims are not only overstated but part of a broader narrative aimed at undermining Israel's right to self-defense following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas militants. "Israel is not starving Gaza," Johnson declared emphatically, citing what he described as evidence from Israeli officials and independent assessments that sufficient aid is being allowed into the region. He emphasized that any shortages are the result of Hamas's actions, including the diversion of aid for military purposes and the group's use of civilian infrastructure as shields.

The Speaker's defense aligns with a growing divide in Washington over U.S. support for Israel. As the Biden administration navigates calls from progressive Democrats to condition aid on improved humanitarian access, Johnson and other Republican leaders have positioned themselves as unwavering allies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Johnson highlighted recent data from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), which claim that thousands of trucks carrying food, water, and medical supplies have entered Gaza since the conflict escalated. He argued that bottlenecks at border crossings are often due to security checks necessary to prevent weapons smuggling, rather than deliberate obstruction by Israel.

Expanding on this, Johnson drew parallels to historical conflicts, suggesting that wartime restrictions on aid are commonplace and that Israel's measures are proportionate to the threats it faces. He criticized media outlets and international bodies for what he called "biased reporting" that focuses disproportionately on Palestinian suffering while downplaying the atrocities committed by Hamas, such as the kidnapping of hostages and rocket attacks on Israeli civilians. "The real story here is not about food shortages engineered by Israel, but about a terrorist organization holding its own people hostage," Johnson stated, urging lawmakers to reject narratives that equate Israel's defensive actions with aggression.

This stance has significant implications for ongoing legislative efforts in Congress. With debates raging over a supplemental aid package that includes billions for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, Johnson's comments underscore the partisan fault lines. Republicans, under his leadership, have pushed for aid to Israel without strings attached, viewing it as essential for countering Iranian influence in the region through proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah. In contrast, some Democrats have advocated for pauses in military assistance unless Israel takes verifiable steps to minimize civilian casualties and facilitate aid delivery.

To provide context, the Gaza food crisis has been a focal point of international concern since the war began. Reports from the World Food Programme indicate that over 500,000 people in Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger, with children particularly vulnerable to malnutrition. Images of emaciated civilians and long lines at aid distribution points have circulated widely, prompting protests and diplomatic pressure on Israel. The International Court of Justice has even ordered Israel to ensure humanitarian access, though enforcement remains elusive.

Johnson addressed these reports head-on, questioning their validity and pointing to alternative sources. He referenced statements from COGAT, the Israeli agency coordinating aid, which asserts that daily caloric intake in Gaza meets basic needs for most residents. "If there's hunger, it's because Hamas is stealing the food," he said, echoing claims that the group stockpiles supplies in tunnels and sells them on the black market. This narrative has been contested by aid workers on the ground, who describe chaotic distribution systems hampered by ongoing bombardments and restrictions on movement.

The Speaker also tied his remarks to domestic politics, warning that succumbing to pressure from what he termed "anti-Israel elements" within the U.S. could embolden adversaries globally. He praised Israel's efforts to innovate aid delivery, such as airdrops and maritime corridors, despite logistical challenges posed by the conflict. Johnson called on the Biden administration to do more to support these initiatives, rather than issuing public rebukes that he believes weaken the U.S.-Israel alliance.

Critics of Johnson's position argue that it overlooks the human cost of the war. Progressive voices in Congress, including members of the "Squad," have accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon, a charge that could amount to war crimes under international law. They point to the destruction of agricultural land, bakeries, and water infrastructure in Gaza as evidence of a broader strategy to make the territory uninhabitable. In response, Johnson dismissed such accusations as "blood libels" reminiscent of historical antisemitic tropes, urging unity in support of Israel.

Beyond the immediate debate, Johnson's comments reflect deeper ideological currents in American politics. The Republican Party has increasingly framed unwavering support for Israel as a litmus test for national security credentials, contrasting with a Democratic base that is more sympathetic to Palestinian rights. This divide was evident in recent primaries, where pro-Israel groups poured millions into campaigns to unseat critics of Netanyahu's policies.

Looking ahead, the food crisis in Gaza shows no signs of abating. With ceasefire talks stalled and military operations continuing in areas like Rafah, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Johnson's defense of Israel may bolster his standing among conservative voters and donors, but it risks alienating moderates who favor a more balanced approach. As Congress deliberates on aid bills, the Speaker's words could influence the final shape of U.S. assistance, potentially prioritizing military support over humanitarian considerations.

In wrapping up his remarks, Johnson called for a recommitment to shared values between the U.S. and Israel, emphasizing democracy, security, and resilience in the face of terrorism. "We cannot allow propaganda to divide us," he said, advocating for fact-finding missions and greater transparency in aid monitoring. Whether this will sway public opinion or policy remains to be seen, but it underscores the enduring complexity of the Israel-Gaza conflict and its ripple effects in Washington.

This episode highlights the challenges of addressing humanitarian crises amid geopolitical strife. As reports of suffering in Gaza persist, leaders like Johnson are navigating a tightrope between alliance loyalty and global calls for accountability. The debate over food access is not just about calories and convoys; it's a proxy for larger questions of justice, security, and the role of the U.S. in the Middle East. With no quick resolution in sight, the discourse is likely to intensify, shaping not only foreign policy but also the domestic political landscape leading into elections.

Read the Full The Hill Article at:
[ https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5422466-johnson-israel-gaza-food/ ]