Condemning Israel's Use of Forced Starvation as a War Crime in Gaza
April 11th, 2024
Justice For All Canada strongly condemns the Israeli government's use of starvation as a weapon of war, resulting in the killings of children in Gaza. Updated reports from human rights groups and accounts from doctors and families in Gaza illustrate a devastating picture of severe malnutrition and dehydration among children and pregnant mothers, exacerbated by inadequate access to medical care and essential supplies.
“Canada must fulfill its obligations to prevent genocide while addressing its failure to adequately stand up against Israel’s egregious violations,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada. “It is beyond time to prioritize the protection of civilian lives in Gaza,” added Ghayyur.
A new Human Rights Watch (HRW) report highlights deliberate tactics employed by Israeli authorities, including obstructing aid, food, and fuel deliveries into Gaza. 70% of the population in northern Gaza is estimated to be facing catastrophic hunger. Additional findings from a UN-coordinated partnership comprising 15 international organizations also highlight that famine could occur anytime between mid-March and May. HRW concluded that the Israeli government's deliberate obstruction of aid and its use of starvation is a method of warfare, a clear violation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. These war crimes must be met with strong condemnation from Canada and concrete measures to hold accountable Israeli officials responsible for their atrocities.
As of April 1, 32 Palestinians, including 28 children, died of malnutrition and dehydration at hospitals in northern Gaza. The number of children under age 5 who are acutely malnourished is now between 12.4 and 16.5% in northern Gaza. According to the Global Nutrition Cluster, 90% of children ages 6-23 months and pregnant and breastfeeding women across Gaza faced "severe food poverty," eating two or fewer food groups each day.
Despite international efforts to provide aid, including airdropping food and building temporary seaports, Israel’s continuous blockade and restrictions continue to impede assistance. Humanitarian groups reported significant challenges in delivering essential supplies such as food, medicine, and fuel due to ongoing Israeli bombardment, ground operations, and lack of security assurances. This obstruction has resulted in a severe shortage of necessities, making it increasingly difficult for vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women, to access vital resources and medical care.
We urge the Canadian government to impose targeted sanctions, suspend existing arms permits before January 8th, and pressure Israel to ensure unrestricted access to humanitarian aid and essential services, in compliance with the International Court of Justice’s genocide case.
Justice For All Canada strongly condemns the Israeli government's use of starvation as a weapon of war, resulting in the killings of children in Gaza. Updated reports from human rights groups and accounts from doctors and families in Gaza illustrate a devastating picture of severe malnutrition and dehydration among children and pregnant mothers, exacerbated by inadequate access to medical care and essential supplies.
“Canada must fulfill its obligations to prevent genocide while addressing its failure to adequately stand up against Israel’s egregious violations,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada. “It is beyond time to prioritize the protection of civilian lives in Gaza,” added Ghayyur.
A new Human Rights Watch (HRW) report highlights deliberate tactics employed by Israeli authorities, including obstructing aid, food, and fuel deliveries into Gaza. 70% of the population in northern Gaza is estimated to be facing catastrophic hunger. Additional findings from a UN-coordinated partnership comprising 15 international organizations also highlight that famine could occur anytime between mid-March and May. HRW concluded that the Israeli government's deliberate obstruction of aid and its use of starvation is a method of warfare, a clear violation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. These war crimes must be met with strong condemnation from Canada and concrete measures to hold accountable Israeli officials responsible for their atrocities.
As of April 1, 32 Palestinians, including 28 children, died of malnutrition and dehydration at hospitals in northern Gaza. The number of children under age 5 who are acutely malnourished is now between 12.4 and 16.5% in northern Gaza. According to the Global Nutrition Cluster, 90% of children ages 6-23 months and pregnant and breastfeeding women across Gaza faced "severe food poverty," eating two or fewer food groups each day.
Despite international efforts to provide aid, including airdropping food and building temporary seaports, Israel’s continuous blockade and restrictions continue to impede assistance. Humanitarian groups reported significant challenges in delivering essential supplies such as food, medicine, and fuel due to ongoing Israeli bombardment, ground operations, and lack of security assurances. This obstruction has resulted in a severe shortage of necessities, making it increasingly difficult for vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women, to access vital resources and medical care.
We urge the Canadian government to impose targeted sanctions, suspend existing arms permits before January 8th, and pressure Israel to ensure unrestricted access to humanitarian aid and essential services, in compliance with the International Court of Justice’s genocide case.