Israel’s complete closure of the Gaza Strip criticised in Geneva
The United Nations criticises Israel's decision to stop all deliveries of food, water, electricity or gasoline to the Gaza Strip. So does the the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva (ICRC).
It is forbidden under international humanitarian law to deprive people of what they need to survive, said the UN high commissioner for human rights, Volker Türk, on Tuesday in Geneva.
“Sieges that endanger the lives of civilians by depriving them of essential supplies are prohibited under international humanitarian law,” said Türk. “Restricting the freedom of movement of people and goods during a siege can only be justified by military necessity, otherwise this amounts to collective punishment.”
Spare critical infrastructure
The criticism was echoed by the ICRC. “Critical infrastructure that people need to survive must not be targeted,” said ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric, also speaking in Geneva on Tuesday.
“Regardless of a military siege, authorities must ensure that civilians have access to basic necessities, including clean drinking water, food and medical care,” she added.
She condemned the taking of hostages of Israelis who were kidnapped into the Gaza Strip by Islamist group Hamas. This is prohibited under international humanitarian law.
Spoljaric said she was worried about all the people who had lost contact with their relatives and noted that the ICRC stands ready to help as a neutral mediator.
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