UN Chief: Gaza Famine Caused by Israeli Actions, Warns of War Crimes

English , Middle East - مشرق وسطٰی , Snippets , / Friday, August 22nd, 2025

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sources Anadolu Agency
Geneva, 22 August 2025 – The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said Friday that the famine declared in Gaza Governorate is a “direct result” of Israeli military operations and restrictions, warning that the use of starvation as a weapon constitutes a war crime.
“The famine declared today in Gaza Governorate by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) is the direct result of actions taken by the Israeli Government,” Türk stated. “Israel has unlawfully restricted the entry and distribution of humanitarian assistance and essential goods for civilian survival.”
He noted that Israeli forces have destroyed critical infrastructure, devastated agricultural land, banned fishing, and forcibly displaced civilians—actions that have driven the crisis. “Deaths from starvation and malnutrition have already been reported,” Türk said, stressing that such measures may amount to additional war crimes, including willful killing.
Calling for urgent action, the UN rights chief urged Israel to allow immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access: “They must ensure the entry of sufficient humanitarian assistance and full access to UN and other relief agencies to prevent further loss of life.”
The IPC declared famine in Gaza Governorate earlier Friday, warning that it could soon spread to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. The announcement underscores the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies persist.