‘Starvation is not a war tool’: ICJ warns Israel over Gaza conflict

The Hague: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday reiterated that Israel is prohibited from using starvation as a means of warfare in Gaza. The statement came as part of ongoing international scrutiny over the humanitarian situation in the region amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.

ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa stated that the court “recalls Israel’s obligation not to use starvation of the civilian population as a method of warfare.” The directive highlights the legal and moral obligations of all states engaged in conflict to protect civilian lives and access to essential resources such as food and water.

The reminder from the ICJ follows growing global concern about the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where aid organisations have repeatedly warned of food shortages and the risk of famine.

While the ICJ has not issued any new binding orders, its statement reinforces earlier provisional measures directing Israel to take all possible steps to prevent harm to civilians and allow humanitarian access.

The court’s remarks carry significant diplomatic weight, as they serve to underline that deliberate deprivation of food or other essentials for survival constitutes a potential violation of international humanitarian law.

The ICJ’s statement comes against the backdrop of widespread criticism of Israel’s blockade and military strategy in Gaza, which humanitarian agencies say have severely limited the flow of food, medicine, and other critical supplies to civilians.

Under the Geneva Conventions, the use of starvation as a weapon is strictly prohibited, with violators potentially subject to charges of war crimes. The ICJ, as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, often issues such reminders to reaffirm legal obligations of states under international law.

Israel says they have consistently maintained that its operations in Gaza are targeted solely at militant groups, and that it does not intentionally block humanitarian aid. However, reports from the United Nations and various NGOs have exposed the growing scarcity of essential goods and the impact on Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.

The ICJ’s warning adds to international calls for restraint and greater humanitarian access as the conflict continues to escalate, threatening to worsen the already dire living conditions in the besieged territory.

This is a developing story.
(With AFP inputs)