As the death toll in Gaza climbs towards 20,000, Human Rights Watch has condemned the Israeli government for allegedly employing starvation as a weapon of war in the region. The organization has accused Israel of deliberately impeding the delivery of essential supplies, including water, food, and fuel, while hindering humanitarian assistance efforts.

Omar Shakir, the Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch, recently discussed the findings of their report titled "Israel: Starvation Used as Weapon of War in Gaza." Shakir highlighted five distressing trends that led to their conclusion. Firstly, the Israeli government has been blocking the majority of aid, food, and water from entering Gaza for over two months. Secondly, it has restricted the entry and exit of goods through its own crossings, despite being the occupying power responsible for the well-being of the civilian population.

Satellite imagery analyzed by Human Rights Watch revealed the apparent deliberate destruction of agricultural land in different parts of Gaza, transforming previously lush areas into barren wastelands. Moreover, the destruction of essential infrastructure, such as bakeries, wheat mills, sanitation facilities, and hospitals, has severely impacted access to clean water, healthcare, and food. The report also cited statements from Israeli government officials, including the defense minister, national security minister, and members of the Israeli army, who expressed their intent to prevent basic supplies from entering Gaza until their objectives, such as the return of hostages and the destruction of Hamas, are achieved.

The deprivation of clean water, the spread of disease, and limited access to food have had a detrimental effect on the Palestinian population. Gaza heavily relies on water supplied by Israel, but after October 7th, Israel cut off this vital resource to northern Gaza. Water infrastructure has been systematically destroyed, leading to a shutdown of desalination and water pumping facilities. While some water is being provided through trucks, it is insufficient to meet the population's needs for drinking, sanitation, and healthcare services. Thousands of cases of contagious diseases have already been reported, further exacerbating the dire situation.

In light of these alarming findings, Human Rights Watch is calling on the international community to take immediate action. The organization highlights the importance of supporting a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at protecting civilians and urges countries to condemn this war crime. The resumption of full aid, restoration of basic services, and an end to unlawful attacks are essential steps towards alleviating the crisis.

The role of the United States has come under scrutiny, as it continues to provide military support to Israel. Despite expressing concern about the indiscriminate bombing in Gaza, the U.S. still supplies weaponry, raising questions about their complicity in potential war crimes. Other countries, such as France, Germany, and Britain, have called for a ceasefire, highlighting growing international consensus against Israeli actions.

The situation in Gaza is dire, with the risk of famine looming. The World Food Programme has previously warned of the immediate possibility of starvation, and now Human Rights Watch is reiterating this concern. With families unable to access food and hundreds of bodies piling up from airstrikes, urgent action is needed to prevent further atrocities.

As the international community grapples with this crisis, the hope remains that proactive measures will be taken to protect civilians, ensure accountability for unlawful attacks, address root causes, and evaluate potential complicity in grave human rights abuses. The stakes are high, and the actions of world leaders will have a profound impact on the lives of the people in Gaza.