Graphic Warning: This video contains graphic images. The lesson is intended for older students.
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this bell ringer activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
Israel's prime minister is facing growing international pressure to end the war in Gaza that has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians. A leading food crisis group is now warning of widespread famine in Gaza as deaths from starvation rise. A warning, images in this story are disturbing.
View the transcript of the story.
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WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Why has humanitarian aid been difficult to deliver to Gaza?
- Which age group in Gaza is most at risk for hunger-related deaths?
- Who do Israeli officials claim is responsible for the starvation in Gaza, and according to the video, what do recent reports say about the truth of these claims?
- How has Israel responded to the increasing international pressure to address the famine in Gaza?
- What action did the UK threaten to take against Israel in response to the ongoing famine and starvation happening in Gaza?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
- What responsibility do other countries have when a humanitarian crisis is unfolding somewhere in the world?
- Why is it important to hear from aid workers and those directly affected by the crisis, rather than hearing only from government officials?
Media literacy: What role can the media play in ensuring that people affected by crises like the famine in Gaza are seen as individuals with stories, and not just as statistics?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Assignment: Use credible sources to research an organization that is currently providing humanitarian aid to people in Gaza. Then, create a slideshow presentation (6-7 slides) that clearly and thoughtfully summarizes what you have learned about this organization.
Your slideshow should include:
- A title slide with the name of the organization and your name
- A breakdown of the organization’s goals and mission
- A description of the aid that the organization provides and the methods they use to deliver it
- Information about any challenges the organization has faced when attempting to provide aid
- Statistics showing the impact of the organization’s aid
Written by Brooke Ingemi, PBS News Hour Classroom's intern and senior at Amherst College, and News Hour's Vic Pasquantonio.
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