Washington: American actor Mark Ruffalo has called on world leaders to intervene in the Gaza Strip, describing the worsening humanitarian crisis as a “man-made famine” and a “crime against humanity.”, reported the Times of India.
In an Instagram video posted on Sunday, Ruffalo cited findings from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the international body responsible for declaring famine conditions, which confirmed that northern Gaza has already entered a state of famine.
“This is not a natural disaster. It’s not a drought. It’s a man-made disaster, a man-made criminal act to kill civilian populations, perpetrated by Israel and the IDF,” Ruffalo said. He highlighted the stark contrast across the border, where food is available on one side while civilians in Gaza are left without essentials.
Ruffalo directly appealed to governments in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and across Europe, urging immediate action to prevent further civilian casualties. He emphasized that over 80 percent of those killed in the ongoing conflict have been civilians, calling the situation “insane” and “heartbreaking.”
Accompanying the video, Ruffalo stated, “What we’re witnessing in Gaza is not just a tragedy; it is a crime against humanity. Forced starvation, a man-made famine — children and families wasting away while the world looks on in silence.” He warned that global inaction equates to complicity and called for accountability, a permanent ceasefire, and protection of civilian life.
Ruffalo has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and has supported sanctions against Israel in the past. He is also part of the Artists for Ceasefire initiative, which advocates for an immediate and lasting halt to hostilities.
According to IPC reports released on August 22, approximately 514,000 people — nearly a quarter of Gaza’s population — are currently facing famine, with the number projected to rise to 641,000 by the end of September. Gaza City and its surrounding areas are most affected, while Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis are predicted to face famine conditions soon.
The ongoing conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has now entered its 22nd month. Local health authorities report that Israel’s military operations have killed over 62,600 Palestinians in Gaza, leaving much of the enclave’s infrastructure in ruins and residents facing severe hunger.
