Far-right Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich’s controversial remarks about potentially starving two million Gazans to free captives sparked condemnation from the European Union, France, and the UK. The EU labeled deliberate starvation as a “war crime” and called for the Israeli government to distance itself from Smotrich’s comments. France expressed deep dismay at the remarks, emphasizing Israel’s obligation to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza under international law.
UK Foreign Minister David Lammy also criticized the remarks, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where most of the population suffers from food shortages. The conflict in Gaza escalated in October, leading to numerous casualties and captives on both sides.
The international community’s response emphasizes the need for an immediate ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza. Smotrich’s comments have been widely condemned for their disregard of international law and basic principles of humanity.