Senator Penny Wong has issued a public condemnation following comments by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich regarding the alleged military justification for the starvation of Palestinians. Using her social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), she underscored that Australia’s stance aligns with other international partners such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. Wong’s statement explicitly declared that “the deliberate starvation of civilians is a war crime. There is no justification for it, ever.” For more information on her statement, please visit the social media post.
Smtorich’s contentious proclamation argued against the practicalities of global realities allowing the starvation of two million people, even suggesting it might be considered “just and moral” until hostages are released. His remarks have sparked a slew of international condemnations, similar to those by Senator Wong. Detailed information on his statements can be found here and here. Smotrich also argued that control over aid distribution channels in Gaza would prevent Hamas from benefiting from the aid, though he failed to address the safety of civilians in his discourse.
Under customary international humanitarian law, particularly the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Rule 53, the use of starvation of civilian populations as a method of warfare is explicitly prohibited. Moreover, Israel’s own Manual on the Laws of War mandates that inhabitants be allowed to leave cities under siege and that humanitarian relief supplies must be permitted free passage by blockading parties.
Similar sentiment has been echoed by other international figures, including EU spokesperson Josep Borrell, who also condemned Smotrich’s stance. Borrell asserted on his social media that a ceasefire is essential to halt civilian casualties and secure the release of hostages.
To read the full details of this developing story, visit the original article on Jurist.