'FAMINE WAR CRIME MUST END'

Martin shocked at the 'catastrophic inhumanity'

- BY KEITH FALKINER and CATE McCURRY

TAOISEACH Micheal Martin has branded Israel's ongoing blockade of food and aid into Gaza a “war crime” as the world's leading authority on food crises declared a famine in Gaza.

The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) said famine is occurring in Gaza City, home to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, and that it could spread south to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by the end of next month.

The IPC determination comes after months of warnings by aid groups that Israel's restrictions of food and other aid into Gaza, and its military offensive, were causing high levels of starvation among Palestinian civilians, particularly children.

Mr Martin said “Israel has an absolute obligation to allow the people there unfettered and urgent access to humanitarian aid, medical and food supplies”.

The Taoiseach's statement goes on to say famine in Gaza was “both entirely predictable and preventable”.

Mr Martin said: “The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has been raised to Phase 5, the highest possible level of food insecurity, in what has been described as an ‘entirely man-made' and 'catastrophic situation.

ATTACKS

“Israel must stop its attacks on, and bombardment of Gaza City.

“The withholding of food and water from civilians is collective punishment of the people of Gaza, and a war crime.

“The retention of hostages by Hamas is also a war crime, and it is long past time for their unconditional release and an end to this war.

“The inhumanity we are witnessing in Gaza has shocked the world. The maiming, mutilation and killing of children simply has to stop. The war must end now.”

ActionAid Ireland has also condemned the deliberate starvation in Gaza, saying famine is a war crime.