DaysofPal- Independent United Nations human rights experts have issued a stark warning, accusing the Israeli occupation of resuming the use of starvation as a weapon against Palestinians in Gaza.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, the experts condemned the Israeli decision to violate the ceasefire agreement by halting the entry of humanitarian aid and essential goods into the besieged Strip.
A Resumption of the Blockade
“We are appalled by the Israeli decision to once again suspend all goods and supplies, including life-saving humanitarian aid, entering the Gaza Strip,” the experts declared. This move follows calls from Israeli ministers to “reopen the gates of hell” on Gaza, further exacerbating an already catastrophic situation.
Conditions in Gaza remain dire, with only minimal relief reaching the population. A handful of tents and caravans have been allowed in, but they offer little solace to the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, including children and the elderly, who continue to suffer from harsh weather and unsanitary living conditions. Reimposing a comprehensive blockade after 16 months of relentless bombardment, displacement, and destruction threatens to push the enclave beyond the brink.
“The destruction of 80% of agricultural land and civilian infrastructure has left Gaza teetering on the edge of survival,” the experts noted. “Reinforcing the blockade will only deepen this crisis, condemning an entire population to unimaginable suffering.”
Systematic Oppression Across Occupied Territories
The experts highlighted that Israeli crimes extend far beyond Gaza, creating unlivable conditions for Palestinians throughout the occupied territories. From the devastation in Gaza to the accelerating annexation of land in the West Bank, Israeli crimes demonstrate a deliberate strategy to displace and subjugate the Palestinian people.
Refugee camps and towns in the West Bank have faced bombing, depopulation, and looting, while other areas endure attacks by armed settlers, often supported or tolerated by Israeli forces. These systematic violations underscore what the experts described as the Israeli broader design to render life untenable for Palestinians under Israeli occupation.
Since the ceasefire took effect on January 19, 2025, Israeli forces have killed at least 100 Palestinians in Gaza, bringing the total death toll since the conflict began to at least 48,400. Despite the supposed cessation of hostilities, the Israeli occupation appears intent on continuing its campaign of destruction, using starvation as yet another tool in its arsenal.
Violation of Ceasefire Terms
By resuming its blockade and military assaults, the Israeli occupation has effectively rewritten the terms of the ceasefire agreement, the experts argued. They called on mediators—Egypt, Qatar, and the United States—to intervene urgently to uphold the agreement per international obligations.
“Israeli occupation is legally bound to withdraw its occupation and full presence from Palestinian territories, as affirmed by the International Court of Justice last year,” the experts emphasized. This obligation forms the foundation of any party’s responsibilities under the ceasefire agreement. Failure to enforce these principles risks perpetuating the cycle of violence and injustice.
A Global Call to Action
The experts urged nations worldwide to honor their commitments under international law and take decisive action to end the ongoing assault on Palestinian lives and rights. “This storm of chaos and injustice cannot be confined to Gaza or Palestine—it threatens to engulf the entire world if left unchecked,” they warned.
As the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza deepens, the international community faces a moral imperative to act. For the people of Gaza, time is running out. Without immediate intervention, the consequences could be catastrophic—not just for Palestinians but for global peace and stability as well.
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