Academic Paper: Starvation and Aid as Weapons of War: The Case of Gaza in Light of International Humanitarian Law (Arabic)

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By: Thamer ‘Abdul Ghani Saba‘neh.
(Exclusively for al-Zaytouna Centre).

In this paper, Thamer ‘Abdul Ghani Saba‘neh examines the brutal war waged by Israel against the Gaza Strip (GS) since 7/10/2023, highlighting its use of starvation as a weapon. In March 2024, a report published under the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), with the participation of more than 15 international organizations led by the UN, warned that the GS stood on the brink of famine, with 70% of the population in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe).

The significance of this paper, published by Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations, lies in its focus on the starvation campaign imposed on the Palestinian population in the GS after 7/10/2023. This campaign reflects a systematic policy adopted by the Israeli government as part of a broader war targeting all that is Palestinian.

The paper examined the starvation policies imposed by Israel on the GS since 2007, despite their clear prohibition under international law and classification as violations of humanitarian and human rights law. These policies have severely degraded food security through strict restrictions on the entry of food and medicine, including the closure of border crossings, obstruction of aid convoys, bombing of food and medicine warehouses, destruction of farmland and bakeries, targeting of infrastructure, denial of cooking gas and blocking of international missions.

Saba‘neh also pointed out that international aid entering GS has not been immune to politicization; it has instead been used as a tool of political pressure. This has further weakened Gaza’s already fragile economy, which relies heavily on such aid due to the blockade. He also highlighted the humanitarian and social consequences of the blockade, noting that many Palestinians, particularly children, have died of hunger. Most hospitals have shut down due to severe shortages of food and medicine, while 90% are unable to provide maternity services. Around 96% of children report feeling close to death, as starvation is used as a psychological weapon to undermine awareness and willpower. Food convoys and warehouses have been deliberately targeted, with gangs and looters encouraged to seize aid. “Bread massacres” have repeatedly occurred as civilians waited in line for assistance.

The paper highlighted broad Israeli support for starvation policies. Officials such as Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed blocking the entry of food and fuel as a means of pressuring Hamas, while denying the existence of famine. A February 2024 poll showed that 68% of Israelis supported withholding aid from GS, even when delivered through independent international channels. Another poll found that over 80% believed the suffering of Palestinians should be given little to no weight in military planning. In contrast, a handful of dissenting voices emerged, including Yair Golan, who condemned the government ministers celebrating “death and starvation of children,” and writer Gideon Levy, who considered the pictures of starving Gazans “reminiscent of concentration camp survivors,” and that “Turning deliberate starvation into a legitimate and acceptable weapon among Israelis… is the most demonic stage so far in the war Israel has launched” on GS.

The paper concluded that Israel’s use of hunger as a weapon against Palestinians in the GS constitutes a war crime under international law, warranting accountability and reparations. This policy has resulted in rising casualties and the spread of diseases linked to malnutrition. Through it, Israel seeks to exact revenge, drive displacement and provoke resistance. Accordingly, it is incumbent upon Palestinians and relevant international institutions to document these violations, call for an international investigation, and mobilize global support to lift the blockade and meet the humanitarian needs in GS.