Hamas issued a powerful plea this week, asking Muslims and activists around the world to stage mass demonstrations against what it characterized as “the crime of starvation” in Gaza. This call came amid mounting international condemnation over Israel’s blockade and military operations against this impoverished territory.
On Saturday, Hamas issued an appeal to the international Ummah and freedom advocates to organize “massive public demonstrations, solidarity events and raising voices loudly” beginning Sunday, July 20 against what it described as genocide and starvation inflicted upon Gaza’s two million residents by Israel, PressTV +1 Taqreeb News.
The group accused the Israeli government of engaging in bombing, starvation and thirst-inducing tactics against Gazan civilians and demanded immediate end of “unjust siege” and lifting of all restrictions, reports Anadolu Ajansi.
Hamas also attacked Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his administration, accusing them of violating international humanitarian law by creating “fascist gangs”. New York Post and Taqreeb News both ran pieces pointing out these violations (one each). PressTV broadcast another news report with similar allegations (two).
Hamas’ rhetoric comes at an alarming time, coinciding with alarming warnings from over 100 aid organizations like Medecins Sans Frontieres, Oxfam, Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders that Gaza may face mass starvation; Al Jazeera +3 The Guardian +3 and The Times all reported this risk of mass starvation for Gaza.
UN warns that more than 1,000 Palestinians have died while queuing for aid, underscoring the severity of the crisis for Financial Times +5 (Telegraph), The Times +5, The Times of Israel (+5).
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli forces have killed at least 63 aid seekers during recent strikes by their army, sparking global outrage and sparking widespread condemnation from global bodies like Al Jazeera +1.
Aid workers themselves have been drawn into the crisis. A Guardian report showed that humanitarian organization staff have begun queuing for food supplies; with many succumbing to hunger while risking their lives.
Amnesty International reports: According to Amnesty International’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), over two million residents in Gaza face crisis levels of food insecurity – with almost one quarter living under catastrophic or famine conditions (Wikipedia +2).
This step follows a series of solidarity actions, such as the July 2025 Gaza Freedom Flota which sought to break through Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian supplies.
Recently, other efforts included the aborted Global March to Gaza from Egypt’s Rafah border crossing that resulted in arrests and deportations of international activists (Wikipedia).
Footage has since emerged of protests in major cities such as New York and Tel Aviv, in which demonstrators rallied under banners like “Free Palestine!” and “Stop Starvation!” as part of Hamas’ call, News.com.au reports.
The footage provides evidence of increasing grassroots support for Gaza and rising dissatisfaction with world’s inaction.
Analysts assert Hamas’ mobilization is the result of both desperation and strategic messaging. By framing their blockade as deliberate tactic of despair, Hamas hopes to put pressure on international governments and institutions into creating ceasefire agreements and humanitarian corridors.
Critics caution, however, that Hamas’ strategy may further polarize global discourse, hindering negotiation efforts. Some Western governments, including those from Europe and Canada, have condemned Israel’s military and humanitarian policies while calling for urgent diplomatic intervention; yet concrete steps have yet to be taken by either side (ApNews.com | Washingtonpost.com).
As July 20-21 protests unfolded, activists around the globe anticipated another round of demonstrations. Humanitarian advocates hope these protests can increase pressure for renewed ceasefire talks and unrestricted aid, but observers warn against expecting too much out of these rallies; without solid political momentum behind them they may simply express outrage rather than create lasting change.
Now, Gaza remains in crisis; its residents starving and imploring for help while hoping that international solidarity translated into tangible actions will finally end its crime of starvation.