SUMMARY
An independent famine review committee affiliated with the United Nations declared that across northern Gaza, starvation, malnutrition and excess mortality, are “rapidly increasing” and “famine thresholds may have already been crossed or else will be in the near future.” Nick Schifrin discussed more with Jan Egeland, a longtime diplomat and humanitarian who recently traveled to Gaza.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- What national leader accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza?
- When might famine conditions be declared in northern Gaza, according to experts?
- Who is Jan Egeland, and what is his background?
- Why is no aid or food getting into northern Gaza?
- How has Israel reacted to criticisms about not allowing aid into Gaza?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Do you think Israel's approach to Gaza might change with a new U.S. president incoming? If so, how? And why do you think it might change?
Media literacy: Guest Jan Egeland says he is surprised that journalists take statements of the Israel government at face value, comparing them to the propaganda of Hamas. If journalists can't access Gaza, how should they try to verify claims by Israel or Hamas?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
FOR MORE
What students can do:
- Understand the issues that led up to Oct. 7 more by taking a look at this explainer by the BBC.
- Practice writing a letter to your representatives or Senators. Let them know what you think U.S. policy should be regarding Israel and Gaza.
- To understand current U.S. policy, you can read this article.
"U.S. says it will not limit arms to Israel after seeing some progress in flow of aid to Gaza"
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