Context-

When United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken says that “100 percent of the population in Gaza is at severe levels of acute food insecurity” and, soon after, the U.S. Congress proceeds to stop funding till March 2025 to the UN Relief and Works Agency, or UNRWA (it is the only UN agency delivering lifesaving humanitarian aid to millions of Palestine refugees living in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria), then the politics of humanitarian aid is back in full play. The intersection of politics and humanitarian aid often results in complex dynamics that directly impact vulnerable populations.

The UNRWA Funding Crisis

The recent decision by the United States Congress to halt funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) until March 2025 has significant implications for Palestinian refugees, particularly those in Gaza. The suspension of aid exacerbates an already dire situation, as evidenced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken's assertion that 100% of Gaza's population faces severe levels of acute food insecurity.

Moreover, the halt in funding threatens to derecognize Palestinian refugees and undermines efforts towards Palestinian statehood, particularly regarding the right of return for refugees. This aligns with longstanding Israeli demands, further complicating the quest for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The situation underscores the politicization of humanitarian aid, with geopolitical interests taking precedence over the urgent needs of vulnerable populations. Despite some Western countries reconsidering their defunding decisions due to the lack of substantiated Israeli allegations, the overarching political agenda continues to overshadow humanitarian imperatives.

Humanitarian Aid in Gaza: A Case Study

The delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza exemplifies the intricate interplay between politics and humanitarian assistance. The proposed construction of a temporary pier by U.S. President Joe Biden highlights the politicization of aid distribution, as logistical challenges are exacerbated by political considerations.

Instead of pressuring Israel to facilitate aid convoys through existing land openings, U.S. President Joe Biden proposes building a temporary pier for aid delivery. 38,000 food packets dropped for 1.4 million Palestinians in Rafah. Tragic incident results in 112 Palestinians killed and hundreds injured while collecting aid.

The incident, which led to casualties among Palestinians awaiting aid, underscores the ethical dilemmas inherent in addressing humanitarian crises through militarized approaches.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres aptly characterizes the situation in Gaza as a "moral outrage," emphasizing the humanitarian imperative to provide immediate aid to alleviate suffering. However, political interests continue to impede efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access.

The recent UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire during Ramadan represents a significant step towards addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, the abstention of the U.S. and the subsequent labeling of the resolution as "non-binding" underscore the challenges posed by political considerations in humanitarian interventions.

Utilizing Aid for Political Messaging: The Indian Perspective

India's involvement in humanitarian aid efforts provides additional insights into the politicization of assistance in conflict zones. Tamil Nadu's DMK sends 80,000 family packets of aid to displaced Sri Lankan Tamils in 2008. The case of Tamil Nadu's provision of aid to displaced Sri Lankan Tamil civilians serves as a prime example of leveraging humanitarian assistance for political messaging.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin sends nearly 10,000 tonnes of aid to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis in 2022. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's (DMK) decision to send aid to Sri Lankan Tamils not only demonstrated solidarity but also conveyed a political message to both domestic and international audiences. By utilizing the International Committee of the Red Cross for aid distribution, India navigated the complex political landscape surrounding the Sri Lankan conflict while addressing humanitarian needs.

Similarly, India's provision of vaccines to over 100 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies a compassionate approach to diplomacy. By prioritizing global health over geopolitical considerations, India showcased its commitment to humanitarian principles, albeit in a context distinct from conflict-driven crises.

Aid as a Political Weapon: Global Implications

The politicization of humanitarian aid extends beyond specific conflicts, impacting vulnerable populations worldwide. Instances of aid being used as a political weapon, whether in Syria, Ethiopia, Yemen, or elsewhere, underscore the challenges faced by humanitarian actors in navigating geopolitical interests.

In Syria, the regulation of aid distribution by external actors reflects a strategic manipulation of humanitarian assistance to exert political pressure on the Assad regime. Similarly, in Yemen, the politicization of aid exacerbates an already dire humanitarian crisis, with millions facing starvation amidst ongoing conflict.

Ethiopia's Tigray region serves as another poignant example of aid politicization, as humanitarian assistance becomes entangled in broader geopolitical rivalries. Despite mounting humanitarian needs, political considerations often dictate the distribution of aid, leaving millions vulnerable to famine and displacement.

The case of Sudan further illustrates the repercussions of politicized aid, as internal conflict compounds external funding shortfalls, leaving millions without essential humanitarian assistance. In such contexts, innocent civilians bear the brunt of political maneuvering, highlighting the urgent need for principled humanitarian action.

Conclusion:

The intertwining of politics and humanitarian aid presents formidable challenges to addressing global crises effectively. From Gaza to Sudan, the politicization of assistance hinders efforts to alleviate suffering and uphold humanitarian principles. As evidenced by various case studies, geopolitical interests often take precedence over the urgent needs of vulnerable populations, underscoring the imperative for greater international cooperation and adherence to humanitarian norms. Only through concerted efforts to depoliticize aid and prioritize human dignity can the international community truly fulfill its obligations to those most in need.

Source-The Hindu