Starvation as Strategy — Unmasking U.S. & UAE Involvement in Gaza’s Siege

Gaza is enduring a calculated starvation campaign, backed by Israeli military strategy—and obscured by two key global actors: the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

1. Israel weaponizes hunger
   Multiple human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have confirmed that Israel is using starvation as a method of warfare in Gaza—systematically blocking food, fuel, water, and medical supplies to pressure civilians. U.N. food insecurity assessments warn that up to half a million Palestinians now face categorical famine, with acute malnutrition skyrocketing.
2. U.S. sponsorship behind aid model
   In mid-2025, the U.S. government allocated at least $30 million to the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which Israel has deployed as the chief aid distributor inside besieged Gaza. Despite widespread deaths—reported in the hundreds—around GHF distribution points due to Israeli military fire, Washington has not only pressed ahead but doubled down. UN officials have condemned GHF hubs as “death traps,” highlighting their militarized structure and inconsistent access.
3. Biden admin retracts famine warning
   In late 2024, a U.S.-backed famine alert for northern Gaza was publicly retracted—widely believed to be due to pressure from Washington, delaying international awareness of the unfolding starvation.
4. UAE — staging post for post-war control
   A January 2025 Reuters exposé revealed Abu Dhabi entered secret negotiations with the U.S. and Israel, aiming to co-manage Gaza’s post-war administration. Though presented as humanitarian reconstruction, this involves strengthening UAE influence over borders and logistics—consolidating the siege system even as civilians starve.
5. Clear alignment of interests

• Biden administration: fuels the siege via financial commitment to GHF, protecting Israel through political backing.
• UAE: offers political cover and future control, underwriting the blockade’s longevity and benefitting from reconstruction contracts and regional influence.
• Israel: executes starvation strategy militarily, accusing “political Islam” of weaponising aid.

6. Legal and moral reckoning
   International laws—Geneva Conventions and Rome Statute—categorise starvation of civilians as a war crime. ICC arrest warrants have been issued against Israeli leaders, yet provide little immediate protection Meanwhile, visibility is suppressed as famine is denied or politicised by U.S. and EU-aligned media.