By PeanutsChoice for CitizenOfEurope
Date: July 28, 2025
As famine looms in Gaza, Israel continues to deny responsibility for starvation among Palestinian civilians. Officials have gone as far as to publicly claim that “nobody is dying from hunger” — a statement sharply contradicted by international agencies and humanitarian evidence.
What Has Israel Said?
On July 21, 2024, Israeli spokesperson Avi Hyman told Al Jazeera “There is no starvation in Gaza. Nobody is dying of hunger.”
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had previously stated in October 2023 that Israel was imposing a “complete siege” on Gaza: “No electricity, no food, no fuel.”
What Do International Agencies Say?
- The World Health Organization (WHO) called the situation “catastrophic,” warning of an “imminent famine” in southern Gaza as of July 2024.
- Save the Children confirmed that children are already dying of hunger.
- UN OCHA’s July 25 report cited ongoing death from malnutrition and food insecurity.
What Does International Law Say?
According to Article 54 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, it is prohibited to “starve civilians as a method of warfare.”
The rule is codified in both treaty law and customary international humanitarian law. The ICRC Commentary on Article 54 emphasizes that blocking food and essential supplies as part of military strategy may amount to a war crime.
Legal Responsibility: Who Is Accountable?
Under international humanitarian law, both state and non-state actors can be held responsible for creating or worsening famine conditions:
- As an occupying power, Israel bears primary legal responsibility to ensure humanitarian relief reaches civilians under its control.
- Hamas, as the de facto authority within Gaza, also holds obligations—to allow aid, avoid misuse of relief supplies, and protect civilians from harm.
According to the ICRC’s official guidance on occupying power responsibilities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories:
“Since 1967, Israel has been considered an occupying power over the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, obliging it under international humanitarian law to facilitate humanitarian relief and ensure basic civilian welfare.”
Is Hamas at Fault Too?
Yes. Under international law, all parties to a conflict — including non-state actors like Hamas — are bound by IHL. If Hamas diverts aid or stores weapons near civilians, it can violate legal norms. But this does not absolve Israel from its own obligations as an occupying power or military force in control of aid access.
Conclusion
Multiple verified sources point to worsening starvation in Gaza, especially among children. Israel’s blanket denial clashes with facts on the ground. Under IHL, starvation as a method of warfare is explicitly banned. Whether Israel’s current policies meet the threshold of intent remains to be determined in a competent legal forum — but the humanitarian toll is undeniable.
Sources
- ICRC Commentary on Geneva Protocol I, Article 54
- UN OCHA Humanitarian Situation Report (25 July 2024)
- WHO Emergency Report (July 17, 2024)
- Save the Children Warning on Child Starvation
- New York Times on Gallant’s Siege Statement
- Al Jazeera report quoting Avi Hyman
- ICRC on Occupying Power Obligations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational and educational purposes. It is based on verified reports, legal documentation, and humanitarian assessments as of July 2025. Legal responsibility for violations of international humanitarian law must be determined by competent courts or tribunals. No claim is made here regarding individual criminal culpability.
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