Israeli Finance Minister Claims Starving Millions in Gaza Could Be 'Justified and Moral'

The EU, France, and the United Kingdom have condemned the statement made by an Israeli senior minister suggesting that starving people in Gaza could be 'justified and moral,' according to The Guardian.

'No one in the world will allow us to starve two million people, even if it may be justified and moral to free hostages (Israelis held by militants of the Palestinian Hamas movement - Ed.)', said Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, provoking outrage from the international community.

In his speech this week, he also stated: 'Israel is delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip as we have no alternative. We are in a situation that requires international legitimacy to conduct this war.'

The EU declared that the deliberate starvation of civilians is a 'war crime' and expects the Israeli government to 'unequivocally distance itself' from the remarks of the far-right minister.

France also criticized Smotrich, stating that providing humanitarian assistance to the population of Gaza is an obligation of Israel under 'international humanitarian law' as it controls access to the region.

The United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary David Lammy called on 'the Israeli government to step back and condemn' Smotrich's statements.