by Georgeo57
Under international law, occupying powers are obligated to ensure the basic necessities of the occupied population, including food, water, and fuel supplies. The Fourth Geneva Convention, which is part of the Geneva Conventions, states that “occupying powers shall ensure the supply of food and medical supplies to the occupied territory, and in particular shall take steps to ensure the harvest and sowing of crops, the maintenance of livestock, and the distribution of food and medical supplies to the population.”
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has also stated that “the intentional denial of food or drinking water to civilians as a method of warfare, by depriving them of objects indispensable to their survival, including wilfully impeding relief supplies as provided for under the Geneva Conventions, is a crime against humanity.”
The Israeli government has argued that its blockade of the Gaza Strip is necessary to prevent the smuggling of weapons and other military supplies to Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls the territory. However, critics of the blockade argue that it is a form of collective punishment that disproportionately harms the civilian population.
The United Nations has repeatedly called on Israel to lift the blockade, stating that it violates international law. The ICC has also opened an investigation into the blockade, which could lead to charges against Israeli officials.
Whether or not Israel’s cutting off food, water, and fuel supplies to 2 million Palestinians violates international law is a complex question that is still under debate. However, there is a strong consensus among international law experts that the blockade is illegal.
Bard