Report on US Senate Appeal Regarding Gaza Humanitarian Crisis and Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A significant contingent of United States Senate Democrats has formally urged the Trump administration to intensify its engagement in mitigating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In a formal communication to the Secretary of State and the Special Envoy, 44 senators highlighted critical failures in aid distribution, directly impacting the achievement of key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). The appeal calls for a strategic recalibration, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire, the utilization of experienced humanitarian organizations, and a long-term political solution consistent with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Humanitarian Aid Failures and SDG 2: Zero Hunger

The senators’ letter expresses grave concern over the escalating food crisis, citing reports of starvation which directly contravene the objectives of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). The primary focus of the criticism was an Israeli-backed American organization established to manage food aid.

• The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, created with US administration backing, is cited as having “failed to address the deepening humanitarian crisis.”
• The senators link the organization’s operational failures to an “unacceptable and mounting civilian death toll” near its distribution sites.
• President Trump has acknowledged the reality of starvation in Gaza, indicating a potential divergence from the Israeli government’s official position.
• Israel has denied allegations of using hunger as a weapon of war, attributing distribution failures to UN and other aid agencies.

Health, Well-being, and Civilian Protection (SDG 3 & SDG 16)

The report underscores the severe impact of the conflict on civilian life, health, and safety, representing a significant setback for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and the principles of justice within SDG 16.

• Near-daily mass casualty incidents have been reported, with civilians killed and wounded during chaotic aid distribution efforts.
• The letter notes that the displacement of the Palestinian population would be “antithetical to international humanitarian law,” a core tenet of SDG 16.
• Growing malnutrition and reports of children dying from starvation highlight the extreme health crisis.

Call for Renewed Diplomatic and Institutional Action (SDG 16 & SDG 17)

The senators advocate for a comprehensive approach that strengthens diplomatic efforts and institutional frameworks to ensure peace, justice, and effective partnerships, in line with SDG 16 and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The letter outlines several urgent recommendations:

1. The immediate resumption of ceasefire and hostage-release negotiations, deemed “as critical and urgent as ever.”
2. A “large-scale expansion” of aid channeled through established and experienced humanitarian organizations, promoting effective partnerships (SDG 17).
3. The release of all hostages held by Hamas.
4. The pursuit of a long-term political resolution that establishes both an Israeli and a Palestinian state, ensuring Hamas is no longer in control of Gaza.

Senator Brian Schatz criticized the choice to establish a new, unproven aid distribution method, stating, “it’s not working at all,” which points to a failure in establishing strong, effective institutions (SDG 16) for crisis response.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

This goal is central to the article, which focuses on the severe food crisis in Gaza. The text repeatedly mentions “reported starvation,” a “worsening hunger crisis,” “growing levels of malnutrition,” and “children dying by starvation.” The entire plea from the Senate Democrats is to address this suffering and ensure food reaches the population.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The article discusses the ongoing war, calls for a “ceasefire agreement,” and highlights the “mounting civilian death toll” and “mass casualty incidents.” This directly relates to reducing violence and promoting peace. Furthermore, it criticizes the failure of an institution—the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation—to perform its duties, calling its efforts ineffective and contributing to the crisis. The mention of “international humanitarian law” regarding the potential displacement of Palestinians also aligns with this goal.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article highlights the complexities and failures of international partnerships. The “Israeli-backed American organization” (Gaza Humanitarian Foundation) is presented as a failed partnership for delivering aid. The letter from US senators represents an attempt to influence their government’s foreign policy and partnerships to create a more effective humanitarian response, calling for aid to be channeled through “organizations experienced in working in the area.”

Specific Targets Identified

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
     • Explanation: The article’s core issue is the lack of access to food in Gaza, with direct references to “starvation,” a “worsening hunger crisis,” and the failure of aid distribution systems. The senators’ letter urges action to address this exact problem.
   • Target 2.2: By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition…
     • Explanation: The article explicitly states there are “growing levels of malnutrition and children dying by starvation,” which directly corresponds to this target.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
     • Explanation: The article describes “near-daily mass casualty incidents,” a “mounting civilian death toll,” and an ongoing “war.” The senators’ call for a “ceasefire agreement” is a direct effort to achieve this target by stopping the violence.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
     • Explanation: The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is criticized for having “failed to address the deepening humanitarian crisis.” The senators’ letter criticizes this institution’s lack of effectiveness and calls for a new approach using experienced organizations, highlighting the need for accountable and functional institutions in aid delivery.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
     • Explanation: The letter opposes the “permanent displacement of the Palestinian people,” noting it “would be antithetical to international humanitarian law.” This invokes the principle of upholding international law, which is a core component of this target.

3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships…
     • Explanation: The article is a case study of a multi-stakeholder partnership (the US-backed, Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation) failing. The call from senators for the US administration to change its approach and work with more experienced organizations is a plea to reform this partnership to make it more effective in achieving humanitarian goals.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. For SDG 2 Targets:

   • Indicator for Target 2.1: Prevalence of undernourishment. The article implies this indicator through phrases like “reported starvation,” “worsening hunger crisis,” and President Trump’s acknowledgment of “real starvation in Gaza.” Measuring the number of people experiencing starvation would track progress.
   • Indicator for Target 2.2: Prevalence of malnutrition. The article directly mentions “growing levels of malnutrition and children dying by starvation,” which can be measured through health surveys and mortality rates related to malnutrition.

2. For SDG 16 Targets:

   • Indicator for Target 16.1: Number of civilian deaths and injuries in conflict. The article refers to the “mounting civilian death toll” and “mass casualty incidents,” which are direct, measurable indicators of violence.
   • Indicator for Target 16.6: Effectiveness of aid distribution. The article implies this by stating the aid group “failed to address the deepening humanitarian crisis” and that the new method of food distribution is “not working at all.” Progress could be measured by the volume and reach of aid successfully delivered to civilians.
   • Indicator for Target 16.3: Adherence to international law. The article points to the principle of non-displacement under “international humanitarian law.” An indicator would be the number of people forcibly displaced versus those who remain in their homes or are returned safely.

3. For SDG 17 Target:

   • Indicator for Target 17.16: Effectiveness of multi-stakeholder partnerships. The article provides a negative indicator: the failure of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to alleviate the crisis. A positive indicator of progress would be the successful implementation of a new aid strategy involving “organizations experienced in working in the area,” measured by improved humanitarian outcomes.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: timesofisrael.com