UN Experts Condemn Israel's Decision to Block Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
Independent human rights experts warn of violations of international law as Israel reimposes a siege on Gaza amidst rising humanitarian crises.
New York City: Over 20 United Nations independent human rights experts have condemned the Israeli government's recent decision to block all humanitarian aid to Gaza and to implement a total siege on the territory.
They asserted that this action contravenes the terms of the ceasefire agreement established with Hamas, violates international law, and undermines prospects for peace in the region.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, the experts condemned Israel's decision to halt deliveries of vital goods to Gaza, including lifesaving aid.
This decision follows a statement from the Israeli war Cabinet indicating a preparedness to withdraw from the ceasefire agreement, with officials making statements referencing the reopening of the “gates of hell” in the conflict-ridden enclave.
The experts characterized Israel's actions as gross violations of international law, emphasizing the obligations of an occupying power to ensure the provision of essential supplies, including food and medical assistance.
They pointed out that obstructing such services—especially those crucial for sexual and reproductive health and support for individuals with disabilities—effectively weaponizes humanitarian aid.
The statement noted that these actions could represent serious breaches of both international humanitarian and human rights law, potentially qualifying as war crimes and crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute.
Among the signatories were Francesca Albanese, the special rapporteur on human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Michael Fakhri, the special rapporteur on the right to food.
Both special rapporteurs are part of the UN Human Rights Council's 'special procedures', serving in a voluntary capacity and not formally employed by the United Nations.
The experts criticized Israel's handling of the ceasefire, initially seen as a potential pathway to peace, which has instead been marked by ongoing violence and destruction.
Since the ceasefire took effect on January 19, at least 100 Palestinians have reportedly died in Gaza, contributing to a grim total casualty figure of 48,400 in the territory since the onset of hostilities in October 2023, as Israeli military operations continue with both airstrikes and ground assaults.
The independent experts highlighted that current conditions under the ceasefire, characterized by limited aid and insufficient resources, have intensified the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
They warned that the renewed total siege on Gaza—where approximately 80 percent of farmland and civilian infrastructure has already been devastated—will exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian situation.
While some countries and regional organizations defend Israel's actions as reactions to alleged violations of the ceasefire by Hamas, the UN experts stressed that Israel’s own violations of the agreement have largely gone unreported.
They called upon the mediating parties of the ceasefire—including Egypt, Qatar, and the United States—to intervene to ensure compliance with international obligations and to protect the integrity of the agreement.
Furthermore, the experts indicated that Israel's actions should be contextualized within the framework of the ongoing illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, a situation the International Court of Justice has urged to be addressed.
In a firm statement, the experts called on nations worldwide to recognize their responsibilities under international law and to take action against what they described as a brutal assault on the Palestinian people.
They noted the critical nature of the international community’s role in preventing the perpetuation of lawlessness and injustice.
The initial phase of the ceasefire expired on the previous Sunday without any agreement on either an extension or a forward path between Israel and Hamas.
They asserted that this action contravenes the terms of the ceasefire agreement established with Hamas, violates international law, and undermines prospects for peace in the region.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, the experts condemned Israel's decision to halt deliveries of vital goods to Gaza, including lifesaving aid.
This decision follows a statement from the Israeli war Cabinet indicating a preparedness to withdraw from the ceasefire agreement, with officials making statements referencing the reopening of the “gates of hell” in the conflict-ridden enclave.
The experts characterized Israel's actions as gross violations of international law, emphasizing the obligations of an occupying power to ensure the provision of essential supplies, including food and medical assistance.
They pointed out that obstructing such services—especially those crucial for sexual and reproductive health and support for individuals with disabilities—effectively weaponizes humanitarian aid.
The statement noted that these actions could represent serious breaches of both international humanitarian and human rights law, potentially qualifying as war crimes and crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute.
Among the signatories were Francesca Albanese, the special rapporteur on human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Michael Fakhri, the special rapporteur on the right to food.
Both special rapporteurs are part of the UN Human Rights Council's 'special procedures', serving in a voluntary capacity and not formally employed by the United Nations.
The experts criticized Israel's handling of the ceasefire, initially seen as a potential pathway to peace, which has instead been marked by ongoing violence and destruction.
Since the ceasefire took effect on January 19, at least 100 Palestinians have reportedly died in Gaza, contributing to a grim total casualty figure of 48,400 in the territory since the onset of hostilities in October 2023, as Israeli military operations continue with both airstrikes and ground assaults.
The independent experts highlighted that current conditions under the ceasefire, characterized by limited aid and insufficient resources, have intensified the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
They warned that the renewed total siege on Gaza—where approximately 80 percent of farmland and civilian infrastructure has already been devastated—will exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian situation.
While some countries and regional organizations defend Israel's actions as reactions to alleged violations of the ceasefire by Hamas, the UN experts stressed that Israel’s own violations of the agreement have largely gone unreported.
They called upon the mediating parties of the ceasefire—including Egypt, Qatar, and the United States—to intervene to ensure compliance with international obligations and to protect the integrity of the agreement.
Furthermore, the experts indicated that Israel's actions should be contextualized within the framework of the ongoing illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, a situation the International Court of Justice has urged to be addressed.
In a firm statement, the experts called on nations worldwide to recognize their responsibilities under international law and to take action against what they described as a brutal assault on the Palestinian people.
They noted the critical nature of the international community’s role in preventing the perpetuation of lawlessness and injustice.
The initial phase of the ceasefire expired on the previous Sunday without any agreement on either an extension or a forward path between Israel and Hamas.
