The United Nations affirmed on Tuesday that the full blockade of the Gaza Strip, declared by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant on Monday, is in violation of international humanitarian law.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, stated in a press release, “The imposition of a blockade that endangers the lives of civilians by depriving them of essential goods for survival is prohibited under international humanitarian law.”
The Director of Communications at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees, Juliette Touma, previously stated that any tightening of the blockade on Gaza would make the already dire situation in the region “much worse, especially for women and children.”
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant announced the complete blockade on the Gaza Strip on Monday, while Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz ordered an immediate cut-off of water supply to the region.
The blockade of Gaza has been a contentious issue for many years, with concerns raised by various international organizations about its impact on the civilian population. It restricts the flow of goods, services, and people in and out of the Gaza Strip, leading to severe hardships for the residents.
Israel has cited security concerns as the reason for the blockade, given the presence of Hamas, an organization it considers a terrorist group, in Gaza. However, the humanitarian consequences of the blockade, including limited access to essential resources such as food, clean water, and medical supplies, have drawn international criticism.
The recent decision by Israeli authorities to further tighten the blockade has raised alarm among humanitarian agencies and international bodies, who are calling for the protection of the rights and well-being of civilians in Gaza, particularly women and children who are among the most vulnerable in the ongoing conflict.
