Israel’s Blockade Sparks Outrage As ‘Forced Starvation’ Grips Gaza
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – At least 57 Palestinians have died from starvation in Gaza, according to local authorities, as Israeli regime violates international law by stalling aid trucks at the border under a genocidal blockade.
Food, water, and medical supplies are backed up at Gaza’s crossings while Israel enforces a full blockade on the territory.
The Gaza Government Media Office reported that 57 people, including children, have died from hunger-related causes.
Humanitarian agencies and legal experts have cited the Fourth Geneva Conventions, which establish legal responsibilities for occupying powers.
Gaza is widely recognized in international forums as an occupied territory, with Israel regarded as the occupying power.
Under Article 55 of the Conventions, the occupying power must ensure food and medical supplies for the population and, if necessary, import required goods.
Article 59 states that when local resources are inadequate, relief efforts must be allowed and facilitated “by all the means at its disposal,” and that states and humanitarian organizations may coordinate such aid.
“All Contracting Parties shall permit the free passage of these consignments and shall guarantee their protection,” the Conventions stipulate.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a US-based advocacy organization, condemned the international inaction and criticized the US for supporting the blockade.
In a statement, CAIR blamed the death of infant Janan Saleh al-Sakafi on “Israeli-imposed – and US-supported – forced starvation.”
“If Israel’s genocidal campaign of forced starvation can be carried out with impunity and with our own government’s support, international law no longer exists,” CAIR said.
“Israel can seemingly violate all international laws and norms with an impunity that does not apply to any other nation on the planet,” the statement added.
It urged immediate intervention to halt “forced starvation, state terrorism, slaughter, mass destruction, and ethnic cleansing.”
Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the United Kingdom, wrote on social media that “mass starvation is Israel’s method of war.”
“Still some politicians find ways to cover up for these crimes against humanity. Shame!” he posted.
Legal scholars have reiterated that the Geneva Conventions remain binding regardless of the conflict's context, and that humanitarian access must not be obstructed under international law.
