Israel faces allegations of using hunger as a weapon against civilians
- Israel has implemented a stringent blockade on Gaza, restricting access to food and medical supplies.
- Civilian suffering has escalated due to malnutrition and a deteriorating healthcare system.
- Urgent intervention is necessary to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis has escalated dangerously since October 2023, following a deadly attack by Hamas on southern Israel. The attack reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and the capture of 250 hostages. In response to this crisis, Israel has tightened its blockade on Gaza, significantly limiting access to food, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid for the population of approximately 2.3 million. As a result, many civilians are suffering from severe malnutrition and a collapsing healthcare system. Reports surfaced describing horrifying scenes where mothers are too malnourished to breastfeed their children, and injured civilians are unable to heal due to a lack of nutrition. Human rights organizations, such as Physicians for Human Rights - Israel and B’tselem, have issued reports claiming that Israel's actions constitute genocide and are contributing to a famine in Gaza. They argue that the occupying power has a responsibility to ensure that civilians receive essential supplies, which Israel has largely failed to do. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly denied that there is any starvation policy in Gaza, contradicting both the evidence on the ground and statements from his ministers who have, at times, acknowledged the humanitarian implications of their actions. Notably, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich previously commented that no one in the world would permit the starvation of 2 million people, even if it seemed justified to achieve military goals. This contrasts with Israel's insistence that its blockade is a necessary measure against Hamas. As the humanitarian situation worsens, family members of hostages taken by Hamas are calling for a ceasefire to ensure that both hostages and the civilian population are not further harmed. Various aid organizations and local groups have advocated for immediate and unfettered access to humanitarian assistance, emphasizing the urgent need for a multidimensional response to the impending starvation crisis.