The Stopgap

The European Union Birds Directive of 1979 prohibited the trapping of E. hortulana. In France, citizens resisted enforcement, casting the practice as a matter of intangible cultural heritage more urgent than the survival of the bird itself. thestopgap.net/expiration-dat…

10 Down: Promises abortions for some, miniature American flags for others It's Friday Crossword XXVI: Slippery Customer thestopgap.net/friday-crosswo…

⭕ Press Release No. (951) Issued by the Government Media Office: 🔴 The occupation continues to engineer starvation: Hunger and malnutrition will claim more lives, and the aid shortage exceeds 86%, with more than 95% of Gaza’s population without income The Israeli occupation authorities continue to commit a systematic starvation crime against the population of the Gaza Strip, whose population exceeds 2.4 million people. This has led to the death toll from hunger and malnutrition rising to 313 martyrs, including 119 children, amid warnings that hunger will claim more lives, especially among children, the sick, and the elderly. The occupation continues to close all crossings and prevent the entry of 430 types of food into the Gaza Strip. Over the past 30 days, it has allowed only 14% of the population’s needs (required trucks) to enter, resulting in an 86% deficit in the required aid. The occupation also prevents the organization of aid distribution, refuses to provide it, and even facilitates its theft, at a time when more than 95% of the population has no source of income or money to purchase what is available in the markets. Among the most vital food items that the occupation prohibits from entering the Gaza Strip are: 1.Table eggs 2.Red meat 3.Red and white meat 4.Fish 5.Cheese 6.Dairy products 7.Fruits 8.Vegetables 9.Nutritional supplements 10.In addition, dozens of other items, such as nuts and supplements needed by pregnant women and those with chronic diseases. The occupation practices a deliberate starvation strategy that primarily targets the most vulnerable groups, including widows, orphans, people with disabilities, and families who have lost their breadwinners, who are denied aid due to these criminal policies. In addition, it continues to undermine the work of international organizations and significantly curtail their humanitarian activity. We strongly condemn the starvation policy pursued by the “Israeli” occupation, and we hold it, along with the US administration and the countries involved in the genocide, fully responsible for this crime and all the serial crimes committed by the occupation. We call on the Arab states and the international community to take immediate action and pressure the occupation to open the crossings and allow the urgent and full entry of aid to save the lives of civilians. ✍️ Government Media Office 📍 Gaza Strip - Palestine 📅 Wednesday, August 27, 2025