October 7 marks one year since Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups killed hundreds of people and abducted more from Israel to the Gaza Strip, including children, women, and elderly people. Today also marks one year of shocking violence and over 40,000 Palestinians killed in retaliatory action by Israeli forces. This escalation follows a long history of lethal violence killing families and obliterating whole communities.
As the World Food Programme has underlined today, hunger is also escalating, as are the barriers to getting aid to the people who desperately need it. The UN Human Rights Commissioner and humanitarian organisations have consistently raised the alarm that hunger may be being used as a weapon of war against the civilian population in Gaza, which is illegal under International Humanitarian Law. We watch in horror the population of Gaza experiencing high levels of severe food insecurity.
Like many in the charity sector, as a team at Sustain, we have been discussing how to respond to atrocities and international conflict, especially where this may be fuelled – as in Gaza – by racialised division and a disregard for human rights. Some of our colleagues, trustees, and members of our alliance and networks, are personally affected by what is happening, and by the racism that has arisen in the wake.
We take this moment to express solidarity for all those who are bereaved, suffering and frightened, and to applaud all who are working to bring food, water, comfort and peace to those in need.
As the conflict escalates worryingly in the Middle East, affecting many more people and communities, we echo the call of Bond, the UK network for organisations working in international development, that: “The UK and its partners must take a comprehensive approach to combining humanitarian assistance, diplomacy, accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law to address the crisis and work towards lasting peace and stability in the region.”
Sustain believes everyone should have reliable access to healthy and sustainably produced food. In Gaza (as well as the West Bank and increasingly the surrounding regions), for that to be so, an immediate and permanent ceasefire is imperative. All violence must end, and all hostages must be released. A massive scale-up of humanitarian aid with sufficient access to food, water and essential lifesaving services must be put into place unimpeded, building on the UN’s Framework for Action for Food Security and Nutrition in Protracted Crises. The destruction of food supplies, water, farmland, supply chains, markets and food and health facilities must end. Every means of restoring food security must be pursued, aiming towards realisation of food sovereignty that fosters food security, agency and self-determination. A healthy, fair and sustainable food system is absolutely predicated on fellowship and peace.
Sustain also acknowledges this day because we know this conflict drives racism, racist division, far-right extremism and violence at home and across the world. Physically violent and verbally abusive attacks on Muslim and Jewish people, and more widely on Black people and people of colour, are wholly unacceptable. We must all play a consciously anti-racist role in reaching out across the divides, supporting efforts to secure peace, making our communities safe, inclusive and welcoming places to be, and demonstrating in all that we do that love is stronger than hate.
Note: This item is published by Sustain but does not necessarily represent the views or position of Sustain Alliance members.
If you would like to donate money to support the relief effort in Gaza and surrounding regions affected, you might like to consider the following:
- Action Against Hunger: link to appeal
- Islamic Relief: link to appeal
- British Red Cross: link to appeal
- Because there are very large numbers of children suffering, you may also be interested in supporting UNICEF: link to appeal
Added since the original publishing date: At times of humanitarian crisis overseas, many charities come together to raise funds via the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), including those mentioned above. The DEC is deeply concerned about the situation in the Middle East and this umbrella group of 14 DEC members launched a joint appeal in October 2024: link to appeal.
Find out more about ways to resist the rise of far-right extremism from Hope Not Hate: link to website
Additional note: The Sustain alliance for better food and farming is on a journey to understand what part we can play in anti-racism in the world today. We have not historically worked on international issues, but international issues increasingly affect everything we do – from racism and colonial legacy, to war, conflict-induced hunger and land and resource-grabs, through to the impact of the climate and nature emergency. We will review what part our alliance can play during our forthcoming strategy process.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
