Israel’s Prime Minister has refuted claims of intentionally starving the Palestinian territory, amidst significant criticism from the United Nations.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Israel possesses the capability to eliminate Gaza’s population rapidly, stating this as evidence against any genocidal intent, and simultaneously rejected accusations that his administration is deliberately implementing a starvation policy in the Palestinian territory.
During a press conference held on Monday, Netanyahu sought to counter substantial international condemnation regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which a significant number of observers interpret as a calculated effort to induce submission through famine.
He maintained that there “hasn’t been starvation” within the region, characterizing the conditions instead as a provisional “shortage.”
He stated, “Had we aimed for starvation, had that been our policy, two million Gazans would not be alive today after 20 months… If our intention was to commit genocide, it would have been accomplished in precisely one afternoon,” he commented.
From early March through May, Israel enforced a total prohibition on the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. While Netanyahu asserted that these limitations have since been removed, the United Nations maintains that aid convoys destined for the enclave are often impeded or plundered.
By late July, UN agencies had reported “mounting evidence” indicating famine conditions in Gaza, with visuals of severely undernourished children appearing across media platforms.
Figures from Gaza’s Health Ministry indicate that over 200 individuals, among them 98 children, have succumbed to malnutrition. In May, an estimated 470,000 people were projected to experience “catastrophic hunger,” according to data from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).
In recent months, Israel has faced considerable international censure, as evidenced by several Western nations declaring intentions to acknowledge the state of Palestine. Furthermore, NBC News reported last week that US President Donald Trump reportedly raised his voice at Netanyahu during a recent telephone conversation, following the prime minister’s attempts to minimize accounts of starvation in Gaza.
Last week, Israel endorsed Netanyahu’s proposal for the capture of Gaza City, with the Prime Minister asserting it as the sole means to ensure the liberation of remaining hostages within the territory and its demilitarization. Nevertheless, his statements have sparked protests within Israel, drawing thousands into demonstrations nationwide.