Alex de Waal

In this discussion, Alex de Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation and author of *Mass Starvation*, delves into the dire situation in Gaza, where millions face starvation amidst political turmoil. He highlights personal stories of families struggling against food scarcity and explores the weaponization of famine in warfare. The conversation reveals the psychological impact on individuals and the urgent challenges in delivering humanitarian aid, emphasizing the historical context of food rations as a method of control.

After two years of civil war, Ethiopia and Tigray have agreed to terms for a peace deal which stipulates that both parties will begin to lay down their arms The plan is to create a humanitarian corridor to Tigray which will offer food relief to more than 6million civilians in Tigray who have been under blockade by government forces for most of the conflict. The war in Africa's second-most populous country has seen abuses documented on both sides, with millions of people displaced and many near famine. Several sticking points remain. Will the Eritrean forces - who have fought alongside Ethiopian troops and have their own territorial claims - also lay down their arms? Without sustained attention from US, African and other donor nations, could the cease-fire quickly fall apart again? Can famine in Tigray be avoided?Chris Morris is joined by a panel of expert guests.Alex Rondos - Former European Union’s Special Representative to the Horn of Africa. Tsedale Lemma - Ethiopian journalist and founder of the Addis Standard publications.Alex De Waal - Author and Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation.Also featuring:Getachew Reda - Spokesperson for the Tigray People's Liberation FrontProducers: Ellen Otzen and Rumella Dasgupta(Photo: Internally displaced women and children in Ethiopia; Credit: Photo by EDUARDO SOTERAS/AFP via Getty Images)

In this discussion, Alex de Waal, the executive director of the World Peace Foundation and author of ‘Mass Starvation: The History and Future of Famine,’ sheds light on the grim reality of food weaponization in Gaza. He addresses the alarming humanitarian crisis, the psychological toll of starvation, and the historical context of famine as a political issue. De Waal also explores the resurgence of famine worldwide, illustrating how conflicts exacerbate food insecurity, and critiques the effectiveness of current humanitarian responses amidst complex geopolitical tensions.

Alex de Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation and author of "Mass Starvation," discusses the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where two million are at risk of starvation. He explores how food is manipulated as a weapon in conflict and the psychological toll of famine on families. The podcast highlights personal stories from individuals coping with hunger and the urgent activism surrounding food scarcity. It also critiques the chaotic aid distribution amidst violence, revealing the erosion of trust within the local population.

Experts discuss the ignored crisis in Sudan, with 8 million displaced, indiscriminate attacks by armed forces, and hopes for peace talks. The role of new US Special Envoy, external influences, and challenges faced by refugees are explored in detail.