Israel is facing immense global backlash after blocking all aid from entering Gaza as a method of warfare — a move reminiscent of the military offensive’s earlier stages and one that international humanitarian law unequivocally says is a war crime.
On Sunday, the Israeli government stopped the entry of all food and other humanitarian assistance into the decimated Palestinian territory after the first phase of Israel’s ceasefire agreement with Hamas expired. Israeli officials warned Hamas of “additional consequences” if the militant group didn’t accept a last-minute ceasefire extension that deviates from the previously agreed-upon deal.
Israel’s 16-month military campaign in Gaza has “razed the territory and shredded the social and physical fabric,” Volker Türk, the United Nations’ high commissioner for human rights, said on Monday.
“We must above all make sure the fragile ceasefire in Gaza holds, and becomes the basis for peace. Any solution to the cycles of violence must be rooted in human rights, including the right to self-determination, the rule of law and accountability,” he continued. “All hostages must be freed; all those detained arbitrarily must be released; and humanitarian aid into Gaza must resume immediately.”
Israel's ongoing blockade of humanitarian assistance for Gaza forced a leading aid group to shut its...
