‘No Starvation in Gaza,’ Netanyahu Tells Christian Leaders

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday firmly rejected accusations that Gaza is suffering from starvation, calling such claims “a bold-faced lie.” Speaking at a Daystar TV conference in Jerusalem, hosted by Pastor Paula White, head of the White House Faith Office, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s ongoing efforts to facilitate humanitarian aid.

“There is no policy of starvation in Gaza, and there is no starvation in Gaza,” Netanyahu declared. He noted that Israel had allowed the entry of 1.9 million tons of food into Gaza since the war began nearly two years ago. “Otherwise, there would be no Gazans,” he said, pointing the blame at Hamas for intercepting and hoarding aid.

“Hamas robs, steals this humanitarian aid and then accuses Israel of not supplying it,” Netanyahu added.

He highlighted recent steps to ensure aid delivery, including the creation of safe corridors and 10-hour humanitarian pauses. These measures, he argued, “have taken away the United Nations’ excuses and lies that it could not deliver the food because it was too dangerous. The U.N. has no excuses left. Stop lying. Stop finding excuses. Do what you have to do and stop accusing Israel deliberately of this egregious falsehood.”

Netanyahu opened his remarks by underscoring the enduring alliance between Christians and Jews. “It is a partnership bonded in faith, in history, in tradition,” he said, describing it as vital for maintaining a free, prosperous, and peaceful world. He warned that this partnership is being challenged by “Islamic fundamentalism that seeks to subjugate Muslims they view as infidels and eradicate both the American and Israeli presence in the Middle East.”

The prime minister emphasized that Israel is the “guardian of Christianity in the Middle East,” yet is often falsely portrayed as an adversary. “What folly, what lies. What a travesty of truth,” he said, criticizing “purchased influencers” in American media who seek to undermine the Israel-Christian alliance.

His comments come amid recent controversies, including false accusations of arson at ancient church ruins in the Arab village of Taybeh in Samaria, which Israel Police confirmed had not been damaged. Additionally, a bureaucratic issue involving visas for American evangelical groups was recently resolved, with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee praising the outcome.

“American Christians are some of Israel’s strongest supporters, and the resolution of this issue among friends is a welcome outcome,” Huckabee stated.

Netanyahu concluded by stressing that the friendship between Jews and Christians is essential to the future of both nations. “This partnership promotes Judeo-Christian values and protects Christians in Israel as nowhere else in the Middle East,” he said.

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