Hamas Accuses Israel of Weaponizing Starvation as Gaza Blockade Intensifies
GAZA/JERUSALEM – Hamas has condemned Israel’s ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza as a deliberate “war crime,” following Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s declaration that restrictions would remain in place as a “pressure lever” against the militant group.
Key Developments:
- Starvation Crisis Deepens: Israel’s Kan broadcaster reports that Gaza’s food stocks may be exhausted in weeks, with UN agencies documenting an 80% surge in child malnutrition cases in March alone.
- Israel’s Controversial Aid Plan: Military officials are considering “stationary aid centers” managed by international groups in Israeli-secured zones, but the UN rejects Israel’s demand to pre-approve aid recipients, calling it unworkable.
- UN Sounds Alarm: OCHA warns that food consumption has “sharply deteriorated” under the seven-week blockade, with 3,696 children newly admitted for acute malnutrition in March.
Why It Matters:
- Israel’s blockade, framed as pressure on Hamas, is accelerating famine conditions in Gaza, drawing accusations of using starvation as a weapon of war.
- The proposed aid mechanism risks further delays as disputes over control persist, leaving civilians in limbo.
What’s Next?
With no resolution in sight, Gaza’s 2.3 million people edge closer to mass starvation, while international pressure mounts on Israel to comply with the ICJ’s binding order to allow unfettered aid.
