Israel's Gaza aid blockade raises legal concerns

Thursday 06 March 2025 - 11:33

By: Zahouani Ilham

Israel's Gaza aid blockade raises legal concerns

The recent blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza imposed by Israel has sparked concerns over potential violations of international humanitarian law, according to statements from three European foreign ministers.

In a joint declaration issued on Wednesday, the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany urged Israel to fulfill its legal obligations and allow the swift and unrestricted delivery of aid to Gaza. The blockade was imposed on Sunday, coinciding with the expiration of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. This decision has heightened fears of worsening conditions in Gaza, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

“A halt on goods and supplies entering Gaza, such as that announced by the Government of Israel, would risk violating international humanitarian law,” the ministers stated. They also emphasized that humanitarian aid should never be used as a political tool or be conditional on a ceasefire. Separately, five European members of the United Nations Security Council, including the UK and France, called on Israel to immediately resume aid deliveries and work towards advancing the next stages of the ceasefire and hostage release negotiations.

Human rights organizations have accused Israel of committing crimes against humanity by restricting aid access. The ongoing conflict has led to nearly 50,000 Palestinian deaths and significant destruction of infrastructure in Gaza.

Hamas has accused Israel of failing to uphold the ceasefire terms, as it now seeks to extend the first phase of the agreement by 50 days rather than transitioning into the next phase as originally planned. According to the deal, Israel was expected to withdraw its forces from the Philadelphi Corridor by March 1 but has refused to do so. Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, is expected to visit the region in an effort to resolve the impasse.

Urgent Humanitarian Needs

The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that food supplies in Gaza are critically low, with enough resources to sustain public kitchens and bakeries for less than two weeks. Reports indicate that the blockade has exacerbated hunger and depleted essential supplies such as flour, medicine, and other necessities, making them scarce or unaffordable.

UN officials have also sounded the alarm, warning that blocking humanitarian aid—including vaccines and medical equipment—could have catastrophic consequences for Gaza’s most vulnerable, especially children. Rosalia Bollen, a spokesperson for UNICEF, noted that neonatal units may soon be unable to care for preterm babies due to a lack of ventilators.

“The first phase of the ceasefire was not just a pause in hostilities; it was a lifeline for families in Gaza,” Bollen emphasized. She described the mood in Gaza as increasingly desperate, with families deeply concerned about the future if aid deliveries do not resume soon.