EU Criticizes Israeli Minister Justifying Hunger-Related Deaths of 2 Million Gaza Residents

European officials condemned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s statement that the deaths of 2 million residents of the Gaza Strip from hunger "could be justified as long as all hostages are returned," RBC reports.

“The deliberate destruction of a civilian population through starvation is a war crime,” said representatives from the EU. European foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called the remarks from the Israeli finance minister “more than shameful.”

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that “Smotrich’s remarks cannot be justified.” “It is a principle of international law and humanity to protect civilian populations during war and provide them access to water and food,” noted Germany's ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert.

On the morning of October 7, 2023, the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas announced the launch of a military operation against Israel called “Al-Aqsa Flood.” In response, the Israeli army announced the launch of an anti-terrorism operation named “Iron Swords” in the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would fight Hamas to a decisive victory.

According to Euronews, referencing the Gaza Ministry of Health, more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed and around 84,700 have been injured as a result of Israeli actions since October 7, 2023.