Hamas accused Israel of committing “war crime” by obstructing the entry of aid into Gaza
The Palestinian resistance organization Hamas has condemned Israel's move to halt the entry of humanitarian aid and essential supplies into the Gaza Strip, describing it as a "war crime and an act of collective punishment."
On Tuesday, Hamas issued a statement asserting that the recent closure represents a violation of the ceasefire agreement established in January.
The closure constitutes a clear breach of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, amounting to a war crime and collective punishment that endangers the lives of innocent civilians.
Hamas has expressed concern over the ongoing closure and the restriction of aid into Gaza, which has now persisted for ten consecutive days. The group warns that this situation is “intensifying the hardship faced by over two million Palestinians” and “raises the potential threat of famine” within the region.
Restrictions on the delivery of essential goods, such as food, medicine, and fuel, have caused a significant increase in food prices and a critical shortage of medical supplies, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The statement further highlighted that the obstruction of heavy machinery is hindering the recovery efforts for bodies entombed beneath the debris and impeding the rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in Gaza.
Hamas has urged mediators to exert pressure on the regime to ensure it fulfills its commitments under the ceasefire agreement.
The resistance group has strongly criticized the utilization of humanitarian aid as a tool for political coercion.
“We affirm that these aggressive policies will not undermine the resolve of our people nor succeed in fulfilling the aims of the occupation.”
On October 7, 2023, Israel initiated military operations in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of more than 48,500 Palestinians. The situation has intensified debates and international concern regarding the humanitarian impact and broader implications of the conflict.
In January, the Israeli government agreed to a ceasefire arrangement with Hamas after failing to meet its objectives, such as dismantling the Palestinian resistance movement and securing the release of captives.
