UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently condemned the international community for its "indifference and inaction" toward the escalating humanitarian disaster in Gaza. His words were stark, calling the ongoing suffering a "moral crisis that challenges the global conscience."
Yet, what many in the global community overlook is the profound and painful truth behind this crisis: the tragic role Hamas plays in exacerbating suffering—not just for Israelis and the international hostages they still hold, but also for their own people in Gaza.
President Trump highlighted this grim reality recently when discussing efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Trump expressed frustration and disappointment at the diminishing prospects of securing the release of the remaining hostages, emphasizing that when Hamas holds onto the final captives, it leaves itself without a protective shield, making negotiations increasingly difficult.
But perhaps most tragically, even humanitarian aid meant for suffering Gazans does not reliably reach those in desperate need. Trump noted the U.S. had donated substantial funds intended for humanitarian support—aid that he explicitly acknowledged often "gets taken" by Hamas militants, rather than reaching the innocent civilians it is meant to help. This theft of aid resources has resulted in innocent civilians being deprived of crucial food and medicine, compounding their suffering rather than alleviating it.
The heartbreaking irony of this scenario is clear. While international leaders rightly call for compassion and aid, the bitter truth remains that Hamas’s own actions create and deepen the suffering of the people it claims to represent. The group's ruthless exploitation of humanitarian resources meant for civilians—and the dangerous obstacles it places in the way of genuine aid—cannot be ignored.
Why does this matter to you, a Modern-Day Esther?
Because standing for truth and justice demands recognizing the full scope of injustice—even when it's complex and challenging. It matters because the families of hostages endure unimaginable anguish as their loved ones remain trapped in uncertainty. It matters because innocent civilians in Gaza suffer twice—once from ongoing conflict, and again from exploitation by Hamas. And it matters because confronting this truth empowers us to advocate more effectively for meaningful solutions and genuine humanitarian aid.
Today, let’s choose to pray and act with discernment, compassion, and courage, advocating for a solution that prioritizes the lives and well-being of innocent people on all sides, and demanding accountability from those who exploit human suffering for political gain.
