The European Union and the United Nations on Sunday sharply criticized Israel's far-right finance minister for saying that starving civilians in Gaza was "a moral justification" for the war. Bezalel Smotrich made the comments in a radio interview on Thursday, saying that Israel had a "duty" to ensure that food and fuel continued to flow into Gaza. But he then said that it was "a matter of morality" that Israelis should not provide aid to Gazans, and that doing so would be akin to "feeding the enemy". The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres both condemned Smotrich's remarks. "The denial of basic humanitarian needs of an entire population, through starvation or other means, is absolutely unacceptable," Borrell said in a statement. Guterres' spokesman said that "the intentional starvation of civilians as a method of warfare is prohibited under international humanitarian law". The comments sparked outrage across the Middle East and beyond. Egypt's foreign ministry said that Smotrich's remarks "underline the systematic and deliberate Israeli policy aimed at starving the Palestinians in Gaza". The ministry added that Israel's actions in Gaza were "a grave violation of international humanitarian law and constitute a war crime". Qatar, which has been a key mediator in efforts to end the war, also condemned Smotrich's comments. The Qatari foreign ministry said that Smotrich's remarks "reflect a blatant disregard for international law and humanitarian principles". The war in Gaza has killed at least 31,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The ministry says that 72% of those killed have been women and children. The war has also left 85% of Gaza's population displaced, the UN says. Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza on October 7 in response to a cross-border attack by Hamas. The conflict has sparked widespread international concern and criticism. The United States, Israel's closest ally, has urged restraint. But US President Joe Biden has faced criticism at home for his support of Israel. Tens of thousands of people have protested in cities across the US, calling for a ceasefire. Protesters have also taken to the streets in other countries, including the UK, France and Australia. The conflict has also sparked concern among Israelis. Thousands of Israelis have protested against the government's handling of the war. They have called for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The war has also had a significant impact on the region. The conflict has disrupted trade and led to a sharp increase in food and fuel prices. It has also raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The UN has warned that the situation in Gaza is "catastrophic". The organization has called for an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The EU and the US have also called for a ceasefire. But efforts to end the conflict have so far been unsuccessful. The war in Gaza continues, with no end in sight.
International condemnation has grown in response to extreme right-wing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's fierce rhetoric calling for the killing of Palestinian residents in Gaza. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian described Ben Gvir's recent statements as "unbearable" in a recent interview with French media L'Evenement Nouvelle.
In a podcast appearance on May 15, Ben Gvir claimed that "30 to 40 people need to be removed every night in Gaza" and that "they don't deserve to live" as "calling them human is an insult." Ben Gvir's comments drew harsh criticism from French officials, with Le Drian calling for France to ban Ben Gvir's entry and denouncing his "inhuman and inhumane" remarks as "unacceptable."
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Minister of State Sevastian Hill also strongly condemned Ben Gvir's rhetoric, urging that no new compromises be made in the ongoing conflict in the West Bank. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned Ben Gvir's statements as "shameful, absurd, inhumane and dangerous."
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