Spokesperson of the UN human rights office, Jeremy Laurence has stated that Israel’s restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza could amount to a war crime.
This came as he addressed the media on behalf of UN High Commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk.
“The extent of Israel’s continued restrictions on entry of aid into Gaza, together with the manner in which it continues to conduct hostilities, may amount to the use of starvation as a method of war, which is a war crime,” Laurence said.
Israel has denied obstructing the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. Israeli government Spokesperson, Eylon Levy insisted on social media that “There is no limit to the amount of aid that can enter Gaza and the lies people will tell to deny this.”
On Monday, March 18, 2024, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed group that includes the World Food Programme and the World Health Organization, disclosed in a report that half of Gaza’s population, faced famine, and people were suffering “catastrophic levels of hunger.”
The IPC report came as Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees announced that he had been denied entry to Gaza, where he was due to work on improving the humanitarian response.
Laurence asserted that Israel, as the occupying power, has the “obligation to ensure the provision of food and medical care to the population commensurate with their needs and to facilitate the work of humanitarian organisations to deliver that assistance.”
The spokesperson described the crisis as “human-made” and “entirely preventable.”
“Everyone, especially those with influence, must insist that Israel acts to facilitate the unimpeded entry and distribution of needed humanitarian assistance and commercial goods to end starvation and avert all risk of famine.
“There needs to be full restoration of essential services, including the supply of food, water, electricity and fuel.”
Jeremy Laurence
Israel’s diplomatic mission in Geneva responded to the comments made by the Spokesperson for UN high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk.
It said, “Israel is doing everything it can to flood Gaza with aid, including by land, air, and sea. The UN must also step up.”
Palestine Criticizes International Failure To Increase Gaza Aid
The foreign ministry of the Palestinian Authority criticized the international community for a failure to act on increasing the level of humanitarian aid being delivered to Gaza.
In a statement on social media, the ministry said, “The flood of international statements will not conceal the failure to protect civilians and deliver aid as a non-negotiable or blackmail issue.”
Earlier, the foreign ministry accused Israel on social media of beginning “to destroy Rafah without announcing [it], to avoid international reactions and without waiting for permission from anyone.”
Meanwhile, Qatar warned that an Israeli attack on Rafah would result in major destruction and “atrocities” that have yet to be seen in the conflict.
Nonetheless, Qatar said that it remains cautiously optimistic about the Gaza ceasefire talks, but warned that an Israeli operation in Rafah would result in
Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari noted that it was too early to talk of any breakthrough in discussions.
He stressed than any assault on Rafah would negatevily affect progress. Talks continue in Doha with a focus on humanitarian aid and securing a temporary ceasefire.
Israeli media reported that head of the Mossad, David Barnea, has left Doha and returned to Israel after talks over a potential ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.
During the briefing, Al-Ansari also said that a 20th group of wounded Palestinian people had arrived in Doha for medical treatment.
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