UN Experts Call Israel’s Actions in Gaza a Clear Violation of International Law, Highlighting Humanitarian Crisis
In a shocking press briefing, United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteurs accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza by using starvation and water scarcity as weapons against the 2.3 million Palestinians living in the region. The UN experts called attention to the severe humanitarian crisis, which they say has been exacerbated by Israel’s systematic violations of international law.
**Starvation as a Weapon in Gaza**
Michael Fakhri, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, strongly condemned Israel’s actions, emphasizing that the deliberate creation of famine is a violation of the laws of war. “This situation did not happen overnight,” Fakhri stated, explaining that political economy, systematic human rights abuses, land seizures, and occupation must all be examined to understand the crisis fully.
Fakhri highlighted that prior to the intensification of the conflict on October 7, 2023, 80% of Gaza’s population was already food insecure and reliant on humanitarian aid. By December 2023, the entire population faced severe starvation conditions. “We have never seen famine develop this quickly in modern history,” Fakhri added, referring to consultations with global experts on famine, who confirmed that the situation in Gaza is unprecedented.
Fakhri further pointed out that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for two Israeli leaders, partly due to their role in this humanitarian crisis.
**A Broader Plan of Annexation**
Fakhri expressed concerns over Israel’s broader political strategy, stating that the use of starvation is part of a larger plan to annex Palestinian territories. “This is not just a war. It is an assault on the Palestinian people,” he said. Fakhri drew parallels to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 2023 speech at the UN General Assembly, where he outlined an annexation plan, which now appears to be extending toward Lebanon.
**Water: The Silent Weapon**
Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation, accused Israel of using water as a “silent weapon, a silent bomb” against Gaza. Arrojo-Agudo stressed that Israel’s control of water supplies has disproportionately impacted children and violated international laws. “This is a violation that threatens not only Gaza but also the future of international human rights frameworks,” he warned.
**Unprecedented Destruction in Gaza**
UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Housing, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, noted that the destruction in Gaza has reached levels never before seen in modern conflicts. “In some areas of Gaza, particularly in the north, 100% destruction has occurred,” he said, citing reports that 39 million tons of debris have accumulated, with estimates suggesting that rebuilding Gaza could take up to 80 years.
Rajagopal also emphasized that this level of devastation, combined with Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid, is contributing to an ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.
**A Call for Accountability**
The UN Special Rapporteurs underscored that Israel’s actions in Gaza, including the denial of essential resources like food and water, are clear violations of international humanitarian law. They called for immediate international intervention, urging the global community to hold Israel accountable for the alleged war crimes and prevent further escalation of the crisis.
With the world’s attention focused on Gaza, the UN experts reiterated the need for urgent action to address what they called an unparalleled humanitarian disaster, warning that failure to do so could have far-reaching consequences for international law and human rights.
