Israel’s Continued Obstruction: Humanitarian Aid Denied in Gaza

Israel Still Blocking Aid to Civilians in Gaza: Collective Punishment of Palestinians is a War Crime

The Situation in Gaza

The Israeli government is deliberately exacerbating the suffering of civilians in Gaza by refusing to restore the flow of water and electricity and by blocking fuel shipments. This deliberate obstruction of relief supplies is not only morally reprehensible but also constitutes a war crime. Israel‘s actions amount to collective punishment of all civilians in Gaza for the actions of armed groups, which is forbidden under international law.

On October 7, Hamas-led fighters conducted a brutal civilian massacre in southern Israel, committing unspeakable war crimes against Israeli civilians. These actions cannot be justified, and those responsible must be held accountable. However, it is crucial to recognize that the crimes committed by Palestinian fighters do not justify Israeli authorities committing war crimes against Palestinian civilians in retaliation.

The Legal Obligations of Israel

Israel, as the occupying power in Gaza, is obligated under the Geneva Conventions to ensure that civilians have access to basic goods. Additionally, as a party to the armed conflict, Israel must facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. In previous hostilities, Israel has maintained a supply of electricity and water to Gaza and found ways to open its truck crossings. However, in the current situation, Israel has failed to meet its legal obligations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu even explicitly stated that humanitarian assistance in the form of food and medicines would not be allowed into Gaza.

While the laws of war permit a warring party to take steps to ensure that shipments do not include weapons, deliberately impeding relief supplies is prohibited. The Israeli authorities’ refusal to allow fuel, despite its desperate need for hospitals, water and sewage pumping, and aid delivery, is a clear violation of international law.

A Call for Respect of International Humanitarian Law

The violence in Israel-Palestine has deep-rooted causes and has resulted in tragic consequences for civilians on both sides. It is essential for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and refrain from unlawful attacks on civilians. Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups should immediately release all civilian hostages they hold. Israel, on the other hand, should restore the flow of electricity and water to Gaza, allow monitored fuel into the territory via Rafah crossing, and take the necessary steps to open its own crossings for humanitarian aid.

Conclusion

The situation in Gaza highlights the ongoing suffering of Palestinian civilians and the need for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law. It is crucial for the international community to condemn the obstruction of aid to Gaza and exert pressure on Israeli authorities to fulfill their legal obligations. By doing so, we can help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and prevent further violations of human rights.