Israel’s Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has sparked international condemnation after suggesting that the starvation of Gaza’s 2 million residents could be “justified and moral” to secure the release of hostages. The EU, France, and the UK swiftly denounced the remarks, with the EU warning that deliberate starvation of civilians constitutes a war crime. France emphasized Israel’s obligation under international humanitarian law to provide aid, while UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged Israel’s government to retract and condemn Smotrich’s statements.
Simultaneously, Israel faces another controversy after Channel 12 aired footage allegedly showing the sexual assault of a Palestinian detainee at Sde Teiman military detention camp. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the US, with the White House expressing deep concern and the State Department calling for a thorough investigation.
The Israeli military, responsible for some detention facilities, stated that it operates according to the rule of law and investigates specific claims of abuse. The soldiers implicated in the abuse have been detained, sparking violent protests from rightwing Israelis.
Smotrich’s controversial comments and the mounting allegations of abuse in Israeli detention centers have drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups. Israeli rights organization B’Tselem reported that such mistreatment has become so widespread that it now constitutes a policy of “institutionalized abuse.” As international pressure mounts, calls for accountability and adherence to international law grow louder.
