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Council of Europe condemns intentional food deprivation in Gaza

Israel's actions in Gaza are intentionally leading to a state of "deliberate starvation," according to the Council of Europe. They also caution that Israel's actions may be fostering the growth of the next Hamas group within the territory.

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Israel's actions in Gaza are leading to a "deliberate starvation," according to the Council of...
Israel's actions in Gaza are leading to a "deliberate starvation," according to the Council of Europe. The council cautioned that these actions could potentially breed the next Hamas in the territory.

Council of Europe condemns intentional food deprivation in Gaza

A Call for Action: The Deteriorating Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

It's high time for a moral awakening regarding the treatment of Palestinians, and it's about bloomin' well past due, said Dora Bakoyannis, Middle East rapporteur at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

The Council of Europe, with its 46 members, is dedicated to upholding human rights and promoting democracy.

"No cause, no matter how pure or righteous, can justify every means," Bakoyannis stated in a powerful declaration.

"The ongoing massacre of innocent lives – children, unarmed civilians – the deliberate starvation, and the continuous suffering inflicted upon the Palestinians in Gaza must cease immediately."

Since March 2, Israeli forces have barred all humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, leaving its 2.4 million residents precariously close to starvation, according to numerous NGOs.

US President Donald Trump acknowledged the distress earlier today, stating, "A lot of people are starving" in the besieged territory.

Bakoyannis implored, "It takes guts and smarts for a nation to admit when its actions are causing more harm than good. What's happening in Gaza helps no one."

Ending a two-month truce, Israel reinitiated its offensive on March 18, aiming to secure the release of all hostages still held in Gaza.

Israel's response to Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the death of 1,218 people on the Israeli side – mostly civilians, according to AFP data based on official figures.

Out of the 251 individuals kidnapped, 57 remain captive in Gaza, including 34 whom the Israeli army has declared dead.

Israeli reprisals have claimed at least 53,010 lives in Gaza, predominantly civilians, according to the latest data from the Hamas Ministry of Health, considered reliable by the UN.

The Current State of Affairs in Gaza:

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened dramatically due to the ongoing conflict, with key issues including:

  • Casualties and Displacement: Between October 7, 2023, and May 14, 2025, at least 52,928 Palestinians have been killed and 119,846 injured in Gaza[2][4].
  • Blockade and Aid Restrictions: Since March 2, 2025, Israel has ceased all humanitarian aid, including food and medicines, from entering Gaza, leading to severe shortages. Over one-third of essential medical supplies are currently out of stock[1][3].
  • Food Security and Nutrition: The blockade has led to a rapid deterioration in food security and nutrition, threatening widespread famine[1][5].
  • Infrastructure Damage: Intensive military operations have resulted in extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, intensifying the humanitarian crisis[3].

International Response:

The international community has voiced deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Notable responses include:

  • Calls for Ceasefire and Aid: Humanitarian organizations have demanded an immediate ceasefire and the removal of the blockade to allow aid to reach Gaza[1].
  • Planned Aid Reforms: Israel, backed by the US, is planning to set up a new aid delivery system, although humanitarian groups question its effectiveness[1].
  • UN and NGO Efforts: The United Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) continue to offer aid, although the blockade hampers their efforts[3][5].
  • Legal and Ethical Concerns: The international community has raised questions about the legality and ethics of the blockade and military actions, labeling them as collective punishment[3].
  • The deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza has prompted calls for international action, with Dora Bakoyannis, Middle East rapporteur at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, appealing for a moral awakening on the treatment of Palestinians.
  • The ongoing conflict in Gaza is causing a significant impact on the health of its residents, with essential medical supplies running low due to the blockade imposed by Israel since March 2, 2025.
  • The humanitarian situation in Gaza has led to severe shortages in food and medicines, threatening widespread famine and adding to the ongoing human rights concerns in the region.
  • The international community, including the United Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), has voiced deep concern over the situation in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, the removal of the blockade, and offering aid despite the challenges posed by the blockade.

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