Israel and US Scorn ICJ Ruling Against Starving Civilians as Method of Warfare

"This week the International Court of Justice (ICJ or World Court) told Israel what seems obvious to any reasonable person - that it cannot starve civilians as a method of warfare. But Israel does not act in accordance with international law, as evidenced by its two-year campaign of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza, during which it has killed over 68,000 Gazans (more likely 680,000, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese said on September 15)."

"The court unanimously held that as the occupying power, Israel has obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure that the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Gaza, has essential supplies of everyday life, including water, food, shelter, clothing, bedding, and fuel, as well as medical equipment and services. The court also held that Israel must respect and protect all medical and relief personnel and facilities."

The International Court of Justice issued a 71-page advisory opinion on October 22 finding Israel illegally occupies the Gaza Strip. The court held that, as occupying power, Israel must ensure essential supplies for the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including water, food, shelter, clothing, bedding, fuel, and medical equipment and services. The court required respect and protection for medical and relief personnel and facilities. The court ruled 10-1 that Israel must facilitate humanitarian relief by UNRWA and other international actors and refrain from impeding that relief. The court unanimously affirmed prohibitions on deportation and forcible transfer and the right of Palestinian prisoners to ICRC visits. Over 68,000 Gazans have been reported killed; a UN Special Rapporteur suggested the toll may be as high as 680,000.

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