Israeli Minister Backs Starvation Policy in Gaza – World news

Ben Gvir on Friday claimed “there is no real hunger in Gaza,” directly rejecting reports from the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations about a deepening famine in the besieged enclave.

In a post on X, Ben Gvir said: “There is no real hunger in Gaza. If they were hungry, they would have returned the hostages home.”

He added: “I support starving Hamas in Gaza.”

Ben Gvir, who leads the extremist Jewish Power party, has repeatedly called for cutting all humanitarian aid to Gaza.

He has also advocated for reoccupying the territory, expelling its Palestinian residents, and building illegal Israeli settlements.

His comments come as Israel continues to block humanitarian aid from entering Gaza.

This policy, backed by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been widely condemned as collective punishment and a war crime.

The UN and multiple rights groups accuse Israel of using food as a weapon against civilians in its genocidal campaign.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has waged an all-out war on Gaza, killing over 59,500 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

On March 2, Israeli occupation forces sealed all border crossings into Gaza, cutting off food, medicine, and humanitarian assistance.

This blockade has triggered severe famine, with malnutrition spreading rapidly among children and the sick.

Aid agencies have warned that mass death from starvation is imminent.

Despite mounting international demands for a ceasefire, Israel has intensified its military assault.

The death toll now stands at 59,676, with 143,965 Palestinians injured, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

In the last 24 hours alone, 89 bodies were recovered and 467 wounded.

The ministry also reported that nine Palestinians were killed and 45 injured while trying to receive humanitarian aid.

Since May 27, at least 1,092 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid, with over 7,320 others wounded.

The Israeli army resumed its attacks on March 18, violating a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal.

Since then, 8,527 more Palestinians have been killed and 31,924 injured.

The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former war minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Israel is also on trial at the International Court of Justice for genocide in Gaza.