UN: Use of starvation as weapon war crime in Gaza

March 08, 2025 / 2:16 AM

Palestinian children wait for a meal during food distribution at a charity kitchen at the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip

Sharjah 24 – WAM: The UN Human Rights Office in Palestine stated that Israel is legally obligated to ensure the provision of essential life necessities for Palestinians living under its control. These necessities include food, clean water, shelter, and adequate healthcare.

Starvation as a weapon of war is a war crime

The office emphasised that any denial of these necessities could constitute collective punishment and warned that the use of hunger and starvation as a weapon of war is considered a war crime.

Deaths in Gaza since ceasefire

The statement also reported that since the ceasefire agreement on January 19, the Israeli military has killed 58 Palestinians, including ten children and three women. Most of the killings occurred near Israeli-imposed “no-go” zones, such as the Netzarim and Philadelphi corridors, and areas like eastern Rafah, Khan Younis, and Beit Hanun. Many of those killed were reportedly trying to check on their homes.

Targeting non-combatants is a war crime

The UN Human Rights Office stressed that targeting Palestinians who are not actively participating in hostilities constitutes a war crime, regardless of Israeli-imposed movement restrictions.