Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli attacks killed at least 39 people on Saturday, warning that intensifying strikes on a Gaza City neighbourhood were placing its remaining residents in mortal danger.&nbsp;The latest toll comes more than a week after Israel's security cabinet approved plans to capture the Palestinian territory's largest city, following 22 months of war that have created dire humanitarian conditions.&nbsp;Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal said conditions in Gaza City's Zeitun neighbourhood were rapidly deteriorating, with residents having little to no access to food and water amid heavy Israeli bombardment.&nbsp;He said that about 50,000 people were estimated to be in that area of Gaza City, "the majority of whom are without food or water" and lacking "the basic necessities of life".&nbsp;Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing swaths of the Palestinian territory mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defence agency or the Israeli military.&nbsp;In recent days, Gaza City residents have told AFP of more frequent air strikes targeting residential areas, including Zeitun, while earlier this week, militant group Hamas denounced "aggressive" Israeli ground incursions.&nbsp;To Bassal, Israel was carrying out "ethnic cleansing" in Zeitun.&nbsp;Israeli officials have dismissed similar accusations before, and the military insists it abides by international law.&nbsp;The military is "committed to mitigating civilian harm during operational activity, in strict accordance with international law," it said in a statement, questioning the reliability of the death tolls provided by the civil defence agency.&nbsp;Earlier this month, the Israeli government approved plans to seize Gaza City and neighbouring camps, some of the most densely populated parts of the territory.On Friday, the Israeli military said its troops were operating in Zeitun.&nbsp;Ghassan Kashko, 40, who shelters with his family at a school building in the neighbourhood, said: “We don't know the taste of sleep.”&nbsp;He said air strikes and tank shelling were causing "explosions... that don't stop".&nbsp;Later Saturday, Hamas said in a statement that Israeli forces had been carrying out a "sustained offensive in the eastern and southern neighbourhoods of Gaza City, particularly in Zeitun".&nbsp;The group said the military was targeting the area with warplanes, artillery and drones.COGAT -- the Israeli defence ministry body responsible for civil affairs in the Palestinian territories -- said that, starting from Sunday, the military would supply more tents and shelter equipment ahead of the offensive.&nbsp;"As part of the preparations to move the population from combat zones to the southern Gaza Strip for their protection, the supply of tents and shelter equipment to Gaza will resume," it said in a statement.&nbsp;The Israeli plan to expand the war has sparked an international outcry as well as domestic opposition.&nbsp;UN-backed experts have warned of widespread famine unfolding in the territory, where Israel has drastically curtailed the amount of humanitarian aid it allows in.&nbsp;According to the civil defence agency, at least 13 of the Palestinians killed on Saturday were shot by troops as they were waiting to collect food aid near distribution sites in the north and in the south.&nbsp;The war was triggered by Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.&nbsp;Israel's offensive has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, which the United Nations considers reliable.

Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli attacks killed at least 39 people on Saturday, warning that intensifying strikes on a Gaza City neighbourhood were placing its remaining residents in mortal danger.

Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli attacks killed at least 39 people on Saturday, warning that intensifying strikes on a Gaza City neighbourhood were placing its remaining residents in mortal danger. The latest toll comes more than a week after Israel's security cabinet approved plans to capture the Palestinian territory's largest city, following 22 months of war that have created dire humanitarian conditions. Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal said conditions in Gaza City's Zeitun neighbourhood were rapidly deteriorating, with residents having little to no access to food and water amid heavy Israeli bombardment. He said that about 50,000 people were estimated to be in that area of Gaza City, "the majority of whom are without food or water" and lacking "the basic necessities of life". Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing swaths of the Palestinian territory mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defence agency or the Israeli military. In recent days, Gaza City residents have told AFP of more frequent air strikes targeting residential areas, including Zeitun, while earlier this week, militant group Hamas denounced "aggressive" Israeli ground incursions. To Bassal, Israel was carrying out "ethnic cleansing" in Zeitun. Israeli officials have dismissed similar accusations before, and the military insists it abides by international law. The military is "committed to mitigating civilian harm during operational activity, in strict accordance with international law," it said in a statement, questioning the reliability of the death tolls provided by the civil defence agency. Earlier this month, the Israeli government approved plans to seize Gaza City and neighbouring camps, some of the most densely populated parts of the territory. On Friday, the Israeli military said its troops were operating in Zeitun. Ghassan Kashko, 40, who shelters with his family at a school building in the neighbourhood, said: “We don't know the taste of sleep.” He said air strikes and tank shelling were causing "explosions... that don't stop". Later Saturday, Hamas said in a statement that Israeli forces had been carrying out a "sustained offensive in the eastern and southern neighbourhoods of Gaza City, particularly in Zeitun". The group said the military was targeting the area with warplanes, artillery and drones. COGAT -- the Israeli defence ministry body responsible for civil affairs in the Palestinian territories -- said that, starting from Sunday, the military would supply more tents and shelter equipment ahead of the offensive. "As part of the preparations to move the population from combat zones to the southern Gaza Strip for their protection, the supply of tents and shelter equipment to Gaza will resume," it said in a statement. The Israeli plan to expand the war has sparked an international outcry as well as domestic opposition. UN-backed experts have warned of widespread famine unfolding in the territory, where Israel has drastically curtailed the amount of humanitarian aid it allows in. According to the civil defence agency, at least 13 of the Palestinians killed on Saturday were shot by troops as they were waiting to collect food aid near distribution sites in the north and in the south. The war was triggered by Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Israel's offensive has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, which the United Nations considers reliable.

Israeli officials have dismissed similar accusations before, and the military insists it abides by international law.

Gaza civil defence says Israeli fire kills 39

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday (August 14) that he wants Israel to allow foreign journalists into the Gaza Strip to report on the situation of humanitarian aid that the US is pursuing. During a press conference in the Oval Office, reporters asked him whether he would “pressure Israel to allow journalists into Gaza to cover the humanitarian efforts that the US is pursuing.”&nbsp;“I’d like to see that happen,” Trump said.&nbsp;It was unclear when the reporter asked this question, what US-led humanitarian efforts they were referring to. Because the US has only indicated that &nbsp;it supports expanding the work of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.&nbsp;“I’d be very fine with journalists going in. It’s a very dangerous position to be in if you’re a journalist, but I would like to see it," Trump added in his response.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump: I would like to see journalists going into Gaza. <a href="https://t.co/F8t57S8nW6">pic.twitter.com/F8t57S8nW6</a>&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1956057744860950988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This came after the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that he would allow more journalists into Gaza, but he appeared to simply be referring to an expansion of those military escorts through which reporters are not able to freely and independently operate.<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bitcoin-included-in-retirement-plans-as-regulations-advances-1755206972745/embed</a></h2><h2>Trump YELLED at Netanyahu over Gaza starvation on a call?</h2>A report came on Thursday (August 7) claiming that the American president shouted at Netanyahu for his stance on the aid to the strip. NBC News cited senior US officials saying that during the call, which was made on July 28, as claimed by Netanyahu, the Israeli PM denied that there was any starvation in Gaza. This was despite multiple reports of children dying in the strip due to hunger. After this claim, Trump publicly responded the next day that he was “not particularly convinced” by Netanyahu’s assurance, saying there was “real starvation” in the Strip and adding: “You can’t fake that.”&nbsp;Following this, the Israeli PM requested a phone call with Trump, where he told the American president that the reports of starvation in Gaza had been “fabricated” by Hamas and that hunger was not widespread in the enclave. In response, Trump began yelling at his ally, saying that his aides had shown him proof that children in Gaza were starving and that he didn’t want to hear it dismissed as “fake.” Following this, the Israeli PM requested a phone call with Trump, where he told the American president that the reports of starvation in Gaza had been “fabricated” by Hamas and that hunger was not widespread in the enclave. In response, Trump began yelling at his ally, saying that his aides had shown him proof that children in Gaza were starving and that he didn’t want to hear it dismissed as “fake.”

Trump said on Thursday (August 14) that he wants Israel to allow foreign journalists into the Gaza Strip to report on the situation of humanitarian aid that the US is pursuing.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday (August 14) that he wants Israel to allow foreign journalists into the Gaza Strip to report on the situation of humanitarian aid that the US is pursuing. During a press conference in the Oval Office, reporters asked him whether he would “pressure Israel to allow journalists into Gaza to cover the humanitarian efforts that the US is pursuing.” “I’d like to see that happen,” Trump said. It was unclear when the reporter asked this question, what US-led humanitarian efforts they were referring to. Because the US has only indicated that it supports expanding the work of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. “I’d be very fine with journalists going in. It’s a very dangerous position to be in if you’re a journalist, but I would like to see it," Trump added in his response.

Trump said on Thursday (August 14) that he wants Israel to allow foreign journalists into the Gaza Strip to report on the situation of humanitarian aid that the US is pursuing.

'Very dangerous position to be in, but...': Trump wants foreign journalists in Gaza. Here's why

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), an agency backed by the United Nations, issued a dire warning on the hunger crisis unfolding in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war in the Palestinian enclave. It said that the ‘worst-case scenario’ of famine is playing out in the Gaza Strip, just as aid started trickling in after Israel allowed it after days of blockade.<h2>'Thresholds reached': What did IPC say on famine situation in Gaza?&nbsp;</h2>A review report of the IPC said that there is mounting evidence of ‘widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease’, driving a rise in hunger-related deaths.Citing the latest data, it said that 'famine thresholds have been reached for food consumption in most of the Gaza Strip and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City.The latest alert follows IPC's warning in May that 2.1 million people are at ‘critical risk’ of famine and are facing extreme levels of food insecurity.IPC stopped short of formally naming the situation in Gaza as a famine, saying further analysis will be done.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-abandons-gaza-netanyahu-in-charge-of-palestinian-fate-1753461829725/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-abandons-gaza-netanyahu-in-charge-of-palestinian-fate-1753461829725/embed</a><h2>What is IPC, the group that issued a famine alert for Gaza?</h2>IPC is a joint initiative by UN agencies, governments, civil society bodies, and global aid groups to identify famine conditions. The group provides evidence-based analysis of food insecurity and acute malnutrition situations. It uses a standards-based classification system to categorise food security situations. These are: acute food insecurity, chronic food insecurity and acute malnutrition.<h2>What is famine? Why is Gaza facing possible famine?</h2>Famine is defined as a widespread scarcity of food caused by factors including war, natural disasters and crop failure. For a famine to be declared by IPC, the criteria are: extreme lack of food, starvation or destitution for 20 per cent of households;&nbsp; More than 30 per cent of children under five suffer acute malnutrition and two adults or four children out of 10,000 people die from starvation or malnutrition every day. In Gaza's case, it's a man-made disaster, caused by Israel's weeks of aid blockade. Israeli forces and agencies are alleged to have fired at aid distribution centres, and have been blocking aid ships of international NGOs, including one led by activist Greta Thunberg.<h2>Why are Palestinians in Gaza starving?</h2>Israel started airdropping some aid in Gaza on Monday, but that may be too little, too late. Reportedly, thousands of people fought to lay their hands on that aid. Besides the alleged attacks and blockade by Israel, Palestinians have claimed that armed gangs are looting aid vehicles, and then selling the items at higher prices. Reportedly, one kilogram of flour is being sold for $35 in the black market. Most Gazan families can't afford it. Many Palestinian men, women and children have been lining up for food, with some reporting that the Gazans, including children, have not eaten in days.&nbsp;<h2>'Make or break week' for Gazans amid hunger crisis</h2>Global aid agencies and the United Nations have already warned that this week would be ‘make or break’ for Gazans to avert mass deaths due to starvation.They are asking for Israel to reopen border crossings, as small increases in aid are not enough to address the unfolding hunger crisis.&nbsp;Israel, meanwhile, insists that it was not responsible for the shortage of food. It is currently implementing 'tactical' pauses' in hostilities for 10 hours per day in three areas of Gaza.

Palestinians have claimed that armed gangs are looting aid vehicles, and then selling the items at higher prices. Reportedly, one kg of flour is being sold for $35 in the black market.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), an agency backed by the United Nations, issued a dire warning on the hunger crisis unfolding in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war in the Palestinian enclave. It said that the ‘worst-case scenario’ of famine is playing out in the Gaza Strip, just as aid started trickling in after Israel allowed it after days of blockade. 'Thresholds reached': What did IPC say on famine situation in Gaza? A review report of the IPC said that there is mounting evidence of ‘widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease’, driving a rise in hunger-related deaths. Citing the latest data, it said that 'famine thresholds have been reached for food consumption in most of the Gaza Strip and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City. The latest alert follows IPC's warning in May that 2.1 million people are at ‘critical risk’ of famine and are facing extreme levels of food insecurity. IPC stopped short of formally naming the situation in Gaza as a famine, saying further analysis will be done. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-abandons-gaza-netanyahu-in-charge-of-palestinian-fate-1753461829725/embed What is IPC, the group that issued a famine alert for Gaza? IPC is a joint initiative by UN agencies, governments, civil society bodies, and global aid groups to identify famine conditions. The group provides evidence-based analysis of food insecurity and acute malnutrition situations. It uses a standards-based classification system to categorise food security situations. These are: acute food insecurity, chronic food insecurity and acute malnutrition. What is famine? Why is Gaza facing possible famine? Famine is defined as a widespread scarcity of food caused by factors including war, natural disasters and crop failure. For a famine to be declared by IPC, the criteria are: extreme lack of food, starvation or destitution for 20 per cent of households; More than 30 per cent of children under five suffer acute malnutrition and two adults or four children out of 10,000 people die from starvation or malnutrition every day. In Gaza's case, it's a man-made disaster, caused by Israel's weeks of aid blockade. Israeli forces and agencies are alleged to have fired at aid distribution centres, and have been blocking aid ships of international NGOs, including one led by activist Greta Thunberg. Why are Palestinians in Gaza starving? Israel started airdropping some aid in Gaza on Monday, but that may be too little, too late. Reportedly, thousands of people fought to lay their hands on that aid. Besides the alleged attacks and blockade by Israel, Palestinians have claimed that armed gangs are looting aid vehicles, and then selling the items at higher prices. Reportedly, one kilogram of flour is being sold for $35 in the black market. Most Gazan families can't afford it. Many Palestinian men, women and children have been lining up for food, with some reporting that the Gazans, including children, have not eaten in days. 'Make or break week' for Gazans amid hunger crisis Global aid agencies and the United Nations have already warned that this week would be ‘make or break’ for Gazans to avert mass deaths due to starvation. They are asking for Israel to reopen border crossings, as small increases in aid are not enough to address the unfolding hunger crisis. Israel, meanwhile, insists that it was not responsible for the shortage of food. It is currently implementing 'tactical' pauses' in hostilities for 10 hours per day in three areas of Gaza.

Palestinians have claimed that armed gangs are looting aid vehicles, and then selling the items at higher prices. Reportedly, one kg of flour is being sold for $35 in the black market.

FAMINE in Gaza: UN-backed agency issues this alert as Palestinians starve amid Israeli aid blockade

The Netherlands on Tuesday (July 29) declared Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich persona non grata. They have been banned from entering the country, the Netherlands Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said. The two ministers were allegedly inciting settler violence, supporting illegal settlements, and advocating ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza amid Israel's ongoing war with Hamas militants. This is a rare and high-profile use of diplomatic rebuke against sitting Israeli ministers, adding to the rising international scrutiny of Israel’s far-right leaders. Who are these ministers? And what does a persona non-grata mean? Which other countries have made similar restrictions on the Israeli ministers? Here is what you should know:<h2>Who are the Isareli ministers declared Persona Non Grata by the Netherlands?</h2><h3>Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israeli national security minister</h3>Ben-Gvir is the firebrand leader of Otzma Yehudit or Jewish Power, a far-right party. He is a controversial figure and West Bank settler with a history of provocative behaviour and toxic rhetoric. He was previously convicted in Israel for incitement and ties to a banned extremist group. He is accused of inciting settler violence, supporting ethnic cleansing, and obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-ben-gvir-says-his-party-will-quit-if-cabinet-implements-gaza-ceasefire-deal-8159194/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-ben-gvir-says-his-party-will-quit-if-cabinet-implements-gaza-ceasefire-deal-8159194/embed</a>&nbsp;<h3>Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli finance ninister</h3>Smotrich, who is also responsible for West Bank settlement administration, is the leader of Religious Zionism, a far-right nationalist party. He is an advocate of annexing Palestinian territories and denies Palestinian national identity or statehood. He has been a supporter of the expansion of illegal settlements and has made statements seen as advocating the ethnic displacement of Palestinians.<h2>Israeli ministers face action: What does ‘persona non grata’ mean?</h2>Persona Non Grata is a diplomatic designation, meaning a foreign official is no longer welcome in a country. Under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention, a state may impose this status without giving a reason. In the case of the Netherlands, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have been banned from entry due to their alleged role in inciting violence and promoting extremist policies. The move is symbolic yet serious, signaling strong diplomatic disapproval of the ministers.The Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp cited incitement of settler violence, support for illegal settlements, and endorsement of ethnic cleansing in Gaza for action on the ministers. The decision reflects concern about the ministers’ impact on human rights and regional stability in West Asia.<h2>Israeli ministers are no strangers to the West's rebukes: What other countries did in recent months</h2>Earlier this month, Slovenia became the first European Union member nation to take similar action against, imposing sanctions against the two ministers. In June, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway imposed sanctions targeting the ministers, but stopped short of declaring them persona non grata.<h2>What does the diplomatic action against Israeli ministers mean?</h2>The ministers will face diplomatic isolation, with the designation damaging the international standing of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. These actions also mark an evolving policy shift toward accountability for Israeli officials who promote far-right policies and advocate violence. The move by Netherlands adds to the growing international pressure among Western nations seeking to curb extremist elements within the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel has been denying wrongdoing, describing international criticism as biased and politically motivated amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 This is a rare and high-profile use of diplomatic rebuke against sitting Israeli ministers, adding to the rising international scrutiny of Israel’s far-right leaders. Who are these ministers? And what does a persona non grata mean?

The Netherlands on Tuesday (July 29) declared Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich persona non grata. They have been banned from entering the country, the Netherlands Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said. The two ministers were allegedly inciting settler violence, supporting illegal settlements, and advocating ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza amid Israel's ongoing war with Hamas militants. This is a rare and high-profile use of diplomatic rebuke against sitting Israeli ministers, adding to the rising international scrutiny of Israel’s far-right leaders. Who are these ministers? And what does a persona non-grata mean? Which other countries have made similar restrictions on the Israeli ministers? Here is what you should know: Who are the Isareli ministers declared Persona Non Grata by the Netherlands? Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israeli national security minister Ben-Gvir is the firebrand leader of Otzma Yehudit or Jewish Power, a far-right party. He is a controversial figure and West Bank settler with a history of provocative behaviour and toxic rhetoric. He was previously convicted in Israel for incitement and ties to a banned extremist group. He is accused of inciting settler violence, supporting ethnic cleansing, and obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-ben-gvir-says-his-party-will-quit-if-cabinet-implements-gaza-ceasefire-deal-8159194/embed Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli finance ninister Smotrich, who is also responsible for West Bank settlement administration, is the leader of Religious Zionism, a far-right nationalist party. He is an advocate of annexing Palestinian territories and denies Palestinian national identity or statehood. He has been a supporter of the expansion of illegal settlements and has made statements seen as advocating the ethnic displacement of Palestinians. Israeli ministers face action: What does ‘persona non grata’ mean? Persona Non Grata is a diplomatic designation, meaning a foreign official is no longer welcome in a country. Under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention, a state may impose this status without giving a reason. In the case of the Netherlands, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have been banned from entry due to their alleged role in inciting violence and promoting extremist policies. The move is symbolic yet serious, signaling strong diplomatic disapproval of the ministers. The Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp cited incitement of settler violence, support for illegal settlements, and endorsement of ethnic cleansing in Gaza for action on the ministers. The decision reflects concern about the ministers’ impact on human rights and regional stability in West Asia. Israeli ministers are no strangers to the West's rebukes: What other countries did in recent months Earlier this month, Slovenia became the first European Union member nation to take similar action against, imposing sanctions against the two ministers. In June, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway imposed sanctions targeting the ministers, but stopped short of declaring them persona non grata. What does the diplomatic action against Israeli ministers mean? The ministers will face diplomatic isolation, with the designation damaging the international standing of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. These actions also mark an evolving policy shift toward accountability for Israeli officials who promote far-right policies and advocate violence. The move by Netherlands adds to the growing international pressure among Western nations seeking to curb extremist elements within the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel has been denying wrongdoing, describing international criticism as biased and politically motivated amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas.

&nbsp;This is a rare and high-profile use of diplomatic rebuke against sitting Israeli ministers, adding to the rising international scrutiny of Israel’s far-right leaders. Who are these ministers? And what does a persona non-grata mean?

These two Israeli ministers are declared PERSONA NON GRATA by the Netherlands. Who are they, and what does it mean?

On Monday (July 28), Israel resumed a military pause to allow for aid to enter for hundreds of starving and desperate Palestinians in Gaza. As the Hamas-Israel war continues, the pressure is mounting on Tel Aviv to end the humanitarian crisis, with the UN describing it as a ‘make-or-break days ahead’ for Gazans. In the past few days, Israel has faced allegations of using aid distribution as a weapon of war, with 'genocidal intent'. Will Israeli leaders be prosecuted for war crimes in the context of the aid blockade that left scores of children dying due to starvation?<h2>Did Israel use starvation as a weapon of war?</h2>This is an allegation made by rights groups like Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, as well as the United Nations. They have described Israel’s aid blockade in Gaza as a ‘deliberate use of starvation’ to weaken the civilian population of Gaza. This is defined as a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) of the UN. The claims are bolstered by recent statements from some Israeli officials themselves, who claimed that a 'complete siege' of Gaza had been implemented with no food, fuel, electricity or medical care.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-gaza-war-israel-airdrops-aid-in-gaza-amid-starvation-wion-1753640057758/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-gaza-war-israel-airdrops-aid-in-gaza-amid-starvation-wion-1753640057758/embed</a><h2>Collective punishment of Gazan civilians by Israel</h2>The aid blockade is being seen as a collective punishment of Gaza’s civilian population, which is prohibited under IHL. The women, children and men are deprived of basic needs like food and water amid the extensive destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, including hospitals that Israel had bombed during the war that started in 2023 after the Hamas terror attack.<h2>Genocide allegations against Israel over actions in Gaza</h2>According to Amnesty International, Israel's actions in Gaza amount to 'genocidal measures' aimed at physically destroying the Palestinian population by imposing lethal living conditions in Gaza.The rights group, in a 2024 report, concluded that Israel’s actions meet the criteria for genocide under the Genocide Convention. It cited evidence of killings, serious bodily and mental harm, and conditions calculated to bring about the destruction of Palestinians in Gaza.<h2>Gaza war: Israel is already facing cases with genocide aspects</h2>Already, a genocide case against Israel is under review by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which issued orders demanding that Israel allow humanitarian aid access. Separately, the ICC had issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on war crimes charges related to the blockade and associated starvation tactics.<h2>Israel blockade invited widespread condemnation</h2>Besides the UN, several countries including France, UK, Germany and Germany have condemned the Gaza blockade, with the Spanish Prime Minister openly calling it a 'genocide.' The US, under President Donald Trump, has criticised Israel’s actions but stopped short of sanctions.<h2>What Israel says about claims of genocide and using aid as a weapon in Gaza</h2>Israel has rejected accusations of war crimes and genocide, characterising the aid blockade as a necessary security measure aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages and cease armed activities.For its part, the Netanyahu government alleged that Hamas is plundering and diverting aid. Israel claims it only targets Hamas and not civilians, but the situation on the ground is more complicated, with rights groups and international organisations noting the disproportionate burden on civilians caused by the blockade and Israeli military operations.<h2>Future looks grim for Israel once the dust settles in Gaza</h2>Though minimal aid has started entering Gaza, the Israeli actions have caused a devastating humanitarian crisis for Palestinians. The developments may have triggered French President Emannual Macron's move to recognise Palestine state.Without a doubt, after two years of bombardment, the starvation and infrastructure collapse in Gaza is widespread.Legal experts and human rights bodies who insist that Israel’s policies constitute war crimes could pursue their cases even after the war is over.The alleged use of starvation as a method of warfare and collective punishment of civilians with possible genocidal intent will come under scrutiny, particularly when the ICJ and ICC investigate further.

Israel’s blockade of Gaza has drawn serious accusations of violating international humanitarian law (IHL), constituting war crimes with genocidal intent. The Israeli administration could face these charges even after its war with Hamas is over.

On Monday (July 28), Israel resumed a military pause to allow for aid to enter for hundreds of starving and desperate Palestinians in Gaza. As the Hamas-Israel war continues, the pressure is mounting on Tel Aviv to end the humanitarian crisis, with the UN describing it as a ‘make-or-break days ahead’ for Gazans. In the past few days, Israel has faced allegations of using aid distribution as a weapon of war, with 'genocidal intent'. Will Israeli leaders be prosecuted for war crimes in the context of the aid blockade that left scores of children dying due to starvation? Did Israel use starvation as a weapon of war? This is an allegation made by rights groups like Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, as well as the United Nations. They have described Israel’s aid blockade in Gaza as a ‘deliberate use of starvation’ to weaken the civilian population of Gaza. This is defined as a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) of the UN. The claims are bolstered by recent statements from some Israeli officials themselves, who claimed that a 'complete siege' of Gaza had been implemented with no food, fuel, electricity or medical care. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-gaza-war-israel-airdrops-aid-in-gaza-amid-starvation-wion-1753640057758/embed Collective punishment of Gazan civilians by Israel The aid blockade is being seen as a collective punishment of Gaza’s civilian population, which is prohibited under IHL. The women, children and men are deprived of basic needs like food and water amid the extensive destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, including hospitals that Israel had bombed during the war that started in 2023 after the Hamas terror attack. Genocide allegations against Israel over actions in Gaza According to Amnesty International, Israel's actions in Gaza amount to 'genocidal measures' aimed at physically destroying the Palestinian population by imposing lethal living conditions in Gaza. The rights group, in a 2024 report, concluded that Israel’s actions meet the criteria for genocide under the Genocide Convention. It cited evidence of killings, serious bodily and mental harm, and conditions calculated to bring about the destruction of Palestinians in Gaza. Gaza war: Israel is already facing cases with genocide aspects Already, a genocide case against Israel is under review by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which issued orders demanding that Israel allow humanitarian aid access. Separately, the ICC had issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on war crimes charges related to the blockade and associated starvation tactics. Israel blockade invited widespread condemnation Besides the UN, several countries including France, UK, Germany and Germany have condemned the Gaza blockade, with the Spanish Prime Minister openly calling it a 'genocide.' The US, under President Donald Trump, has criticised Israel’s actions but stopped short of sanctions. What Israel says about claims of genocide and using aid as a weapon in Gaza Israel has rejected accusations of war crimes and genocide, characterising the aid blockade as a necessary security measure aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages and cease armed activities. For its part, the Netanyahu government alleged that Hamas is plundering and diverting aid. Israel claims it only targets Hamas and not civilians, but the situation on the ground is more complicated, with rights groups and international organisations noting the disproportionate burden on civilians caused by the blockade and Israeli military operations. Future looks grim for Israel once the dust settles in Gaza Though minimal aid has started entering Gaza, the Israeli actions have caused a devastating humanitarian crisis for Palestinians. The developments may have triggered French President Emannual Macron's move to recognise Palestine state. Without a doubt, after two years of bombardment, the starvation and infrastructure collapse in Gaza is widespread. Legal experts and human rights bodies who insist that Israel’s policies constitute war crimes could pursue their cases even after the war is over. The alleged use of starvation as a method of warfare and collective punishment of civilians with possible genocidal intent will come under scrutiny, particularly when the ICJ and ICC investigate further.

Israel’s blockade of Gaza has drawn serious accusations of violating international humanitarian law (IHL), constituting war crimes with genocidal intent. The Israeli administration could face these charges even after its war with Hamas is over.

Gaza aid blockade:  Israel faces allegations of war crimes, genocide and use of starvation as a weapon of war

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres urged the international community on Monday to reject hunger as a weapon of war.UN agencies have been warning of life-threatening hunger in Gaza as aid supplies dried up, and international pressure has been building for a ceasefire to allow a massive relief operation.Israel's government, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, furiously denies that it is using hunger as a weapon of war, and instead accuses the aid agencies of failing to pick up and distribute aid delivered to Gaza's border crossing points."Climate change is disrupting harvests, supply chains, and humanitarian aid. Conflict continues to spread hunger from Gaza to Sudan and beyond," Guterres told a UN conference in Ethiopia by video."Hunger fuels instability and undermines peace. We must never accept hunger as a weapon of war," the UN chief added.In the Gaza Strip, the war-shattered Palestinian territory is gripped by dire humanitarian conditions created by 21 months of war and made worse by Israel's total blockade of aid from March to May.Since the easing of the blockade, the levels of aid reaching Gaza have been far below what aid groups say is needed.On Sunday, as Israel began a "tactical pause" in the fighting to allow the UN and aid agencies to tackle a deepening hunger crisis, the World Health Organization warned that malnutrition was reaching "alarming levels."Sudan is "the largest humanitarian catastrophe facing our world and also the least remembered", Othman Belbeisi, the regional director of UN's IOM migration agency, told reporters last week.Since April 2023, Sudan has been torn apart by a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, commander of the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.The fighting has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than seven million people.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.&nbsp;

"Hunger fuels instability and undermines peace. We must never accept hunger as a weapon of war," the UN chief added said.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres urged the international community on Monday to reject hunger as a weapon of war. UN agencies have been warning of life-threatening hunger in Gaza as aid supplies dried up, and international pressure has been building for a ceasefire to allow a massive relief operation. Israel's government, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, furiously denies that it is using hunger as a weapon of war, and instead accuses the aid agencies of failing to pick up and distribute aid delivered to Gaza's border crossing points. "Climate change is disrupting harvests, supply chains, and humanitarian aid. Conflict continues to spread hunger from Gaza to Sudan and beyond," Guterres told a UN conference in Ethiopia by video. "Hunger fuels instability and undermines peace. We must never accept hunger as a weapon of war," the UN chief added. In the Gaza Strip, the war-shattered Palestinian territory is gripped by dire humanitarian conditions created by 21 months of war and made worse by Israel's total blockade of aid from March to May. Since the easing of the blockade, the levels of aid reaching Gaza have been far below what aid groups say is needed. On Sunday, as Israel began a "tactical pause" in the fighting to allow the UN and aid agencies to tackle a deepening hunger crisis, the World Health Organization warned that malnutrition was reaching "alarming levels." Sudan is "the largest humanitarian catastrophe facing our world and also the least remembered", Othman Belbeisi, the regional director of UN's IOM migration agency, told reporters last week. Since April 2023, Sudan has been torn apart by a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, commander of the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The fighting has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than seven million people. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

"Hunger fuels instability and undermines peace. We must never accept hunger as a weapon of war," the UN chief said.

Hunger must never be 'weapon of war': UN chief Antonio Guterres

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Hunger must never be 'weapon of war': UN chief Antonio Guterres