Israel using starvation as ‘coercion’ to secure captives deal
Former UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths tells Al Jazeera that when he was asked if Israel was using starvation as a weapon of war by the International Criminal Court in the early days of the war, he replied that he didn’t know what Israel’s motive would have been.
“But now I think the motive is inescapably visible,” he said, explaining that Israel is using starvation as “coercion” to secure the release of captives, “after which they will eliminate Hamas”.
He said this would amount to a “war crime if proved”.
“I think what is needed, because the evidence is so clear, including the killing of aid workers the other day, is a case for action independently, through the UN probably, through the mobilisation of member states and their obligations and under the law and then to the courts to prosecute,” he said.
Situation in Gaza becoming ‘desperate’, says UNRWA
It’s been over a month since Israel banned the entry of crucial humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, and the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) says it is continuing to assist with whatever supplies remain.
However, the agency wrote on X that stocks are “getting low and the situation is becoming desperate.”
“The siege must end, and humanitarian aid must be allowed back in,” the agency added.
It’s been over a month since the State of Israel banned the entry of aid and commercial supplies into #Gaza.
UNRWA continues to provide assistance with whatever supplies remain. Stocks are getting low and the situation is becoming desperate.
The siege must end and humanitarian… pic.twitter.com/maZqqZF3CZ
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) April 6, 2025
Israel has turned Rafah into ‘comprehensive humanitarian disaster’, Gov’t Media Office says
Israeli attacks on Rafah in southern Gaza have created a “comprehensive humanitarian disaster and massive destruction that has affected all aspects of life”, the Strip’s Government Media Office says in a statement.
The office said Israeli forces have now completely isolated the city from the rest of Gaza after they created what they have called the Morag Corridor to split the enclave.
“[Israel] continues to commit horrific massacres against defenceless civilians, causing the systematic and comprehensive destruction of infrastructure, vital facilities, and residential homes, rendering the city uninhabitable,” it said in the statement.
“The Palestinian Ministry of Health has recorded the deaths of dozens in recent days, all civilians attempting to return to inspect the ruins of their homes.”
The office said Israeli forces have destroyed more than 90 percent of the homes in Rafah governorate – more than 20,000 buildings containing more than 50,000 housing units – as well as destroying 22 of the 24 water wells, more than 85 percent of the sewage network, and eight schools and educational institutions. It said 12 medical centres are now completely out of service with the maternity hospital and the Indonesian Hospital destroyed.
Last year Biden's red line: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/11/biden-netanyahu-rafah-military-operation-safety-plan
