HRW: Israel weaponized Gaza blockade

Gaza December 18, 2023 (QJ) -Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of using the blockade of Gaza and hunger as a weapon of war, describing it as a war crime.

Citing testimonies from Palestinians affected by the conflict, Human Rights Watch highlighted Israel’s prolonged blockade on Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis by restricting access to food and water, which it termed as a breach of human rights.

Citing evidence gathered from interviews with Palestinians displaced in Gaza, statements from members of the Israeli government, and reports from various international organizations such as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Food Programme, Oxfam, and the Norwegian Refugee Council, the report detailed the impact of Israel’s military actions on civilian life.

The spokesperson for the Israeli government, Eylon Levy, strongly rejected the allegations, asserting that Hamas bears responsibility for the situation in Gaza.