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Recent comments by Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, have drawn sharp criticism from Western allies after he implied that the starvation of Gaza’s population, comprising over two million Palestinians, could be deemed “just and moral” until hostages taken during Hamas’s assault on Israel are returned.
In a Monday speech at a conference advocating for Jewish settlements, Smotrich acknowledged the necessity of sending humanitarian aid into Gaza but emphasized that a military response must be maintained, stating, “It’s not possible in today’s global reality to manage a war — no one will allow us to starve two million people, even though that might be just and moral until they return the hostages.”
Smotrich, who plays a significant role in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration, endorses a reoccupation of Gaza and the re-establishment of Israeli settlements dismantled in 2005. He has also expressed support for the migration of a considerable number of Palestinians from the area.
The Canadian embassy in Israel publicly condemned Smotrich’s remarks via social media, asserting that such inflammatory statements “undermine prospects for peace.” The embassy’s statement read: “Canada condemns @bezalelsm comments about justifying the starvation of Gazans. These inflammatory comments undermine prospects for peace.”
On the European front, the EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, expressed deep concern over the implications of Smotrich’s comments, labeling them “beyond ignominious” and highlighting the violation of international law underpinning his assertion. Borrell stated that the “deliberate starvation of civilians is a war crime.”
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy also weighed in, unequivocally rejecting Smotrich’s justifications and anticipating a formal retraction from the Israeli government. He communicated through social media, “We expect the wider Israeli government to retract and condemn them.”
Germany’s ambassador to Israel, Steffen Siebert, deemed the comments “unacceptable and appalling,” reaffirming the obligation of international law to protect civilians and ensure access to basic necessities. He stated, “It is a principle of international law and of humanity to protect civilians in a war and to give them access to water and food.”
Additionally, Egypt’s foreign ministry condemned Smotrich’s statements, labeling them as “shameful” and an affront to international humanitarian standards. The ministry warned that such “irresponsible statements” incite hostility against the Palestinian population in Gaza.
The conflict ignited by Hamas’s October 7 attack has precipitated a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with a significant portion of the population displaced multiple times, struggling within makeshift tent camps. Reports from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification indicated that, as of June, Gaza was facing a “high risk” of famine.
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Humanitarian efforts to deliver critical supplies are reportedly impeded by Israeli restrictions, ongoing conflict, and systemic disorder. While Israel contends that it permits unrestricted humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, it attributes delays to UN agencies.
The October 7 attacks led to approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the capture of around 250 hostages, a situation that has compounded the ongoing conflict. Currently, about 110 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israel fearing that a significant number are deceased. The majority of hostages were released during a temporary ceasefire in November.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s military actions have claimed nearly 40,000 Palestinian lives and resulted in widespread destruction, further exacerbating the humanitarian situation in the region.
Source
www.cbc.ca