Israel’s Denial of Food Aid to Gaza: A Weapon of War

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The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels. As Israel continues its military operations in the region, food and humanitarian aid remain largely inaccessible to the Palestinian civilians caught in the crossfire. According to Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNRWA), Israel’s denial of food and aid to Gaza has become a strategic tool—what he refers to as a “weapon of war”. The impact of these actions, combined with the ongoing blockade, raises serious ethical and legal questions about Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

In this blog post, we delve deeper into the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, Israel’s tactics, and the international community’s role in addressing these atrocities.

The Dire Situation in Gaza: Starvation and Displacement

Gaza, already one of the most densely populated areas on the planet, is now facing the severe consequences of Israel’s blockade. Since March 2025, Israel has blocked all shipments of humanitarian aid, including essential food, medical supplies, and fuel. The situation has worsened as Israeli forces have launched new offensives, exacerbating the region’s already dire conditions.

According to Lazzarini, starvation is spreading throughout the population. The International Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) recently categorized Gaza as being on the brink of famine, with over 470,000 Gazans (approximately 22% of the population) now in “Phase 5 – catastrophe”. This stage of food insecurity signifies that one in five households faces extreme food deprivation, which could result in malnutrition, death, and devastation.

Despite millions of tons of aid sitting on the other side of the border in Egypt, it remains blocked from entering Gaza. This blockade, which continues for more than two months, has made it nearly impossible for the residents of Gaza to access even basic necessities.

Weaponizing Humanitarian Aid: A War Crime?

As food and medical supplies are systematically denied to Gaza, Lazzarini has been adamant in his condemnation of Israel’s actions. He stated, “By any account, the destruction is massive… There is absolutely no doubt that we are talking about massive atrocities. Genocide? It could end up to genocide.” These powerful words underscore the horrific scale of the humanitarian crisis and point to the possibility of genocide, considering the systematic destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, the targeting of civilians, and the ongoing efforts to displace entire communities.

The weaponization of aid has been highlighted as one of the most sinister aspects of the ongoing conflict. Lazzarini calls it a “war crime”, with the use of food denial as a means to achieve military or political objectives. The international community, especially human rights organizations, has raised alarms over these actions, calling for immediate action and accountability.

The Broader Impact of Israel’s Actions on Palestinian Lives

Israel’s military strategy includes displacing Palestinians from key areas in Gaza, pushing them into smaller, more densely packed regions as part of their broader geopolitical aims. According to reports, over 70% of Gaza is effectively off-limits to Palestinians, leaving them trapped in a smaller, increasingly dangerous enclave. These forced displacements often come with short timeframes, leaving families with mere minutes to flee for their lives, often to areas that will soon be targeted as well.

Furthermore, the blockade and denial of aid have not only led to widespread starvation but have also cut off basic healthcare services. The Palestinian health system in Gaza has been decimated by constant airstrikes, and medical professionals are struggling to provide essential care under these extreme conditions.

International Response: Has the World Failed Gaza?

As the world watches the atrocities unfold in Gaza, there has been a consistent call from international organizations, including UNRWA, the Red Cross, and NGOs, for immediate action to end the blockade and allow humanitarian aid into the region. Unfortunately, Israel’s political leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have largely rejected these calls, continuing to label the blockade as an essential military tactic in their ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Yet, even some of Israel’s closest allies, including certain European nations, have expressed outrage at the humanitarian consequences of Israel’s actions. The United States, under President Trump, has also found itself in a delicate position, balancing support for Israel with increasing pressure to address the mounting humanitarian crisis.

The UN and various humanitarian groups have raised their voices against Israel’s tactics. As Lazzarini pointed out, the denial of food is a clear violation of international law and could lead to charges of war crimes against those responsible for the blockade.

Israel’s Strategic Aims: The Push for Displacement and Control

At the heart of Israel’s ongoing offensive is its desire to displace Palestinians from their homeland, as part of a long-standing effort to expand Israeli settlements in Gaza and the West Bank. This long-term goal of ethnic displacement has been met with resistance from Palestinians and various international bodies who view it as a violation of human rights.

Israel’s plan is to force the population into an even smaller area, essentially consolidating control over Gaza while removing Palestinians from key areas. As Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders push for a new offensive, the human cost of such actions continues to grow, leaving the Palestinian people trapped in a vicious cycle of violence.

The International Criminal Court and Accountability

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued warrants for Israeli officials involved in the Gaza conflict, accusing them of committing war crimes. Despite these efforts, there has been little international action to halt the violence or bring accountability to Israel’s military actions. As Lazzarini rightly points out, it is only a matter of time before the ICC and other bodies examine whether Israel’s actions qualify as genocide under international law.

The international community’s failure to act and its continued passivity in the face of these atrocities have sparked outrage from global human rights groups. Many are calling for stronger measures to be taken, including sanctions, investigations, and calls for justice for the people of Gaza.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

As the crisis in Gaza continues to unfold, the international community must act to end the blockade, ensure the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, and hold Israel accountable for its actions. The situation is dire, and the international community cannot afford to be passive in the face of such massive human suffering.

Gaza’s residents are facing an existential threat, and the world must respond with urgency. Food and aid must be allowed into Gaza, and the blockade must be lifted. Until then, the suffering and starvation of Gaza’s people will continue, with the international community complicit in its silence.

Author Profile

Syed Tahir Abbas Shah

Syed Tahir Abbas is a Master's student at Southwest University, Chongqing, specializing in international relations and sustainable development. His research focuses on U.S.-China diplomacy, global geopolitics, and the role of education in shaping international policies. Syed has contributed to academic discussions on political dynamics, economic growth, and sustainable energy, aiming to offer fresh insights into global affairs.

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