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In a recent speech at the Katif Conference for National Responsibility in Yad Binyamin, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich suggested that it might be "just and moral" to starve Gaza's population of two million until Israeli hostages are returned. However, he acknowledged the impossibility of such actions due to global scrutiny.
Smotrich's remarks underscore his belief that Israel should control the distribution of aid within Gaza, a role currently managed by international aid groups. He accused Hamas of exploiting these distribution channels for their gain, claiming that if Israel had control, the conflict and hostage situation would have been resolved.
"It is impossible in today's global reality to wage war – no one in the world would let us starve and thirst two million citizens, even though it may be just and moral until they return our hostages," Smotrich stated. He argued that Israel cannot fight Hamas while simultaneously allowing aid to reach them, suggesting that this aid supports Hamas' control over Gaza.
Smotrich's comments come amidst increasing international criticism of Israel's handling of aid to Gaza. Humanitarian organizations and independent UN experts have accused Israel of causing widespread famine in Gaza through intentional restrictions, which they term as "genocidal violence." The International Criminal Court's prosecutor is pursuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges including the use of starvation as a weapon of war.
Netanyahu has denied these allegations, asserting that any food shortages in Gaza result from Hamas' theft of aid, not Israeli actions. Israel maintains that its military actions and blockade will continue until all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled, a conflict that has already resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
Smotrich's advocacy for limited aid to Gaza reflects a hardline stance, emphasizing the need for minimal essentials like food, medicine, and basic sanitation while dismissing other needs as non-essential in the current warzone conditions. His statements highlight the ongoing and complex humanitarian and political crisis in the region.
