
By ESTHER ALEXANDER, Abuja-
Israel’s actions in Gaza have been described as a humanitarian crisis, with the country using starvation as a weapon of war.
The Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, further, accused the Israeli government of deliberately denying civilians in Gaza access to food, water, and fuel, while also impeding humanitarian assistance. This according to him, has led to widespread starvation, with many civilians facing severe hunger.
Abu Shawesh said: “Israel is using starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza, particularly in North Gaza where only 30 trucks are allowed to enter per day, which is nearly 6% of the daily needs. This deprivation of food is making it difficult for the people in Gaza to even survive.
“Using the starvation as method and measure of war on Gaza specially on the north will lead to catastrophic health consequence on the short and long run.
“The people who are still in North Gaza are living under an immobilizing siege, are being deliberately and continuously bombed, and are without food, water, and medical supplies. Anyone who tries to flee in search of these necessities is targeted by Israeli drones and killed”
He added that the statistics of the war impacts are staggering, with 43,603 Palestinians killed and 102,929 injured in Gaza, the majority being children and women. Additionally, 188 journalists were killed, and many more are still under the rubble. In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, 811 Palestinians were killed, 5,755 injured, and 13,585 permanent and temporary military checkpoints were set up. The total number of Palestinian detainees in the occupied West Bank has reached 11,600, including 430 women, 760 children, and 132 journalists.
He called on the international community for immediate action to prevent and stop violations of international humanitarian law and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most.
The ambassador, further, alleged that Israel plan to extend its sovereignty over the West Bank with the backing of the incoming US government led by Donald Trump’s administration will be the’final nail in the coffin of the peace process and the two-state solution’.
He urged the Security Council to use its powers under the UN Charter to ensure compliance with international law and full implementation of its resolutions.