Gaza: The starvation of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip as a method of warfare constitutes a war crime, Sweden Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard stated on Thursday.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Minister Stenergard emphasized that using the starvation of civilians as a method of warfare is a war crime. She stated that life-saving humanitarian aid must never be politicized or militarized. The minister highlighted the urgent need for food, water, and medicine to quickly reach the hard-hit civilian population, many of whom are women and children, living in inhumane conditions.
When asked whether Israel is guilty of war crimes by using starvation in its aggression on Gaza, Minister Stenergard indicated concerns about Israel's adherence to international humanitarian law. She noted that there is considerable evidence suggesting non-compliance but emphasized that it is the role of the courts to make such determinations.
Minister Stenergard also reaffirmed the Swedish government's increased support to aid organizations, including the UN's food program, UNICEF, and the International Red Cross Committee.
