The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, confirmed today that the restrictions imposed by Israel on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza amount to a method of starvation, which is a “war crime.”

This assessment came after a report supported by the United Nations, yesterday, Monday, said that famine may occur by next May, as fighting has not ended in the war that has been ongoing for more than 5 months in the Palestinian Strip, which has a population of 2.3 million people.< /p>

Turk said, “The scope of the ongoing Israeli restrictions on the entry of aid into Gaza, along with the manner in which hostilities continue, may amount to the use of starvation as a means of war, which is a war crime.”

Aid agencies hold Israel responsible for the blockade of Gaza, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government says it is facilitating the entry of aid and holds the United Nations and relief organizations responsible for any problems related to the volume of aid and the pace of its delivery.

Turk said through his spokesman Jeremy Lawrence: “Israel, as the occupying power, is obligated to ensure the provision of food and medical care to the population in proportion to their needs and to facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations to provide this assistance.”

A report issued on Monday by the Integrated Interim Classification of Food Security stated that malnutrition and food insecurity may have exceeded famine levels in northern Gaza, and hunger-related death rates will likely rise soon.

Turk said the crisis was “man-made” and “entirely avoidable,” adding: “Everyone, especially those with influence, must insist that Israel facilitate the unimpeded entry and distribution of humanitarian aid and commercial goods needed to end the crisis.” Hunger and avoid all dangers of famine.”

He went on to say: “All basic services must be restored, including food, water, electricity and fuel supplies.”