**Jerusalem — Israel’s Western allies have sharply criticized remarks made by the country’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, who suggested that the starvation of Gaza’s over 2 million residents could be seen as “just and moral” until hostages taken during Hamas' October 7 attack on southern Israel are returned.
In a speech on Monday, Smotrich argued that while humanitarian aid to Gaza is necessary, the international community would not permit Israel to starve its population, despite his belief that such measures might be justified. He made these comments during a conference supporting Jewish settlements.
Smotrich, a significant figure in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, advocates for the reoccupation of Gaza, the restoration of Jewish settlements dismantled in 2005, and what he describes as the voluntary relocation of many Palestinians from the region.**
**On Wednesday, the European Union condemned the remarks, emphasizing that “deliberate starvation of civilians constitutes a war crime.” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described the comments as “beyond ignominious,” asserting that they highlight the speaker’s disregard for international law and fundamental humanitarian principles.**
**David Lammy, Britain’s new Foreign Secretary, declared that there is “no justification” for Minister Smotrich’s comments. He called on the Israeli government to retract and condemn the remarks, posting his stance on the social media platform X.
Germany’s ambassador to Israel, Steffen Siebert, labeled the comments as “unacceptable and appalling,” emphasizing that international law and humanitarian principles require the protection of civilians in conflict and ensuring their access to essential resources like water and food.
On Thursday, Egypt’s foreign ministry also condemned Smotrich’s statements, calling them “shameful and unacceptable in both form and substance,” and a breach of international humanitarian law. The ministry warned that such “irresponsible statements” incite hostility against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.**
**The ongoing conflict, ignited by Hamas' attack, has plunged Gaza into a dire humanitarian crisis. The majority of the population has been displaced within the blockaded territory, often multiple times, with hundreds of thousands crammed into unsanitary tent camps. In June, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a leading authority on hunger crises, warned that Gaza was at “high risk” of famine.
Aid organizations report that efforts to deliver food and other assistance are being obstructed by Israeli restrictions, ongoing fighting, and a breakdown of law and order. Israel contends that it permits unlimited humanitarian aid and accuses U.N. agencies of failing to deliver it efficiently.
The Hamas-led attack on Israel, which ignited the war, resulted in about 1,200 deaths and approximately 250 hostages taken. Around 110 hostages remain in Gaza, although Israel estimates that about a third may be deceased. Most of the remaining hostages were released during a week-long cease-fire in November.
Israel's ongoing military offensive has resulted in nearly 40,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and has caused extensive devastation across the region.**