Following the conclusion of the first phase of the ceasefire, Israel has once again blocked vital humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, exacerbating the catastrophic conditions for Palestinians already enduring genocide and mass starvation.
Amnesty International Australia strongly condemns this blockage, which constitutes a crime against humanity, a flagrant violation of international law, and a continuation of Israel’s systematic campaign to eradicate Palestinians.
This blockade directly defies one of the six provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in January 2024, which mandates Israel to allow humanitarian assistance into Gaza. As the occupying power, Israel is obligated to ensure that the basic needs of Palestinians in Gaza are met. Yet, it has persistently disregarded this duty, weaponising aid deprivation to inflict further suffering, amounting to collective punishment.
Article 55 of the Fourth Geneva Convention states that the occupying power has the duty to ensure the food and medical supplies of a population and Article 59 stipulates this obligation as unconditional.
For over 16 years, Israel’s illegal blockade has suffocated Gaza, pushing the population of Palestinians to a state of famine. The deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid, including food, water and medicine, constitutes Israel’s method of physical and biological destruction and a clear intent to pursue its genocidal regime against Palestinians in Gaza.
The release of Israeli and foreign national civilians held hostage by Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, and Palestinians arbitrarily detained by Israel, must also take place immediately and should not be contingent on the outcome of political negotiations over the next phase of the ceasefire. Over 10,000 Palestinians are held in Israeli jails, over 4,000 without charge or trial either under administrative detention or based on the Unlawful Combatants’ Law, which violates international law.
The blockage of aid coincides with the International Criminal Court’s issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli officials, Netanyahu and Gallant, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Those responsible for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity must be held to account and brought to justice.
Amnesty Australia urges the international community and the Australian Government to take immediate action to demand the unrestricted delivery and access of humanitarian aid into Gaza and put pressure on Israel to end its genocide and brutal occupation.
Mohamed Duar, Amnesty International Australia’s Occupied Palestinian Territory’s Spokesperson says:
“As Palestinians begin the Holy Month of Ramadan, they deserve to live, celebrate, and worship in peace, not endure starvation as a weapon or war, displacement, and relentless violence.
“For 16 months, Palestinians have endured horror after horror, war crime after war crime and the ceasefire deal was a glimmer of hope that this nightmare and genocide will come to an end.
“Many Palestinians in Gaza have returned home, attempting to rebuild their lives and setting up decorations for Ramadan. But without humanitarian aid, their survival remains at grave risk. Israel must uphold its legal obligations and immediately ensure the entry of aid.”
Mohamed Duar, Amnesty International Australia’s Occupied Palestinian Territory’s Spokesperson
“The illegal ban on UNRWA has already severed a critical lifeline, depriving millions of Palestinians of essential aid. Now, civilians continue to pay the ultimate price – with their lives. They have been bombed, displaced, starved, and denied medical care. “The world cannot stand silent. Palestinians must be protected. They must receive the urgent humanitarian aid that can sustain their lives, especially now, at a time that should be marked by faith, resilience, and unity, not suffering and despair.”
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