Palestinian children receive cooked food rations as part of a volunteer youth initiative in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on March 5, 2024, amid widespread hunger in the besieged Palestinian territory as the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas continues. (Credit: Mohammed Abed/AFP)
BEIRUT — The UN's high commissioner for human rights told the BBC in a interview published Thursday that there is a plausible case that Israel is employing starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza. Volker Türk emphasized that if intent were proven, it would constitute a "war crime."
A recent report backed by the UN revealed compelling evidence indicating that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is evolving into a man-made famine. This has intensified pressure on Israel to fulfill its legal obligations in safeguarding Palestinian civilians and ensuring adequate humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
Israeli Minister of Economy Nir Barkat dismissed Türk's warnings as "total nonsense," stating that Israel facilitates all aid offered by the US and other countries. However, a backlog of aid trucks on the Egyptian border with Gaza highlights the challenges in delivering aid, with access to Gaza dependent on complex checks and procedures through Israel.
In the interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation, Türk condemned Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians and soldiers but stressed that accountability for actions, including any attempts to withhold aid, applies to all sides in the conflict. He criticized Israel for reportedly slowing down or withholding aid delivery, noting bureaucratic obstacles hindering relief efforts.
The concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensified with the release of a recent report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, warning of an imminent famine affecting half of Gaza's population. The dire situation is evident in hospitals where children suffer from acute malnutrition, deprived of proper medical care and nutritious food.
Despite international calls for an immediate cease-fire, Israel remains steadfast in its military campaign against Hamas, aiming to eradicate the group. Türk reiterated the urgent need for a cease-fire, emphasizing the tragic human rights situation in Gaza.
In response to Israel's assertions, Türk highlighted an emerging international consensus, including recent Security Council resolutions, underscoring the urgent need for a cease-fire to address the dire humanitarian situation.