Israel's finance minister, Becall Smotricz, sparked immense controversy with his statements regarding the Gaza humanitarian blockade. At a conference organised by the right-wing paper Israel Hayom, Smotricz stated that the blocking of humanitarian aid to Gaza could be “justified and ethical” even if it resulted in 2 million civilians starving. These words aroused global outrage and attracted the attention of the media and human rights organisations around the world.
Smotrics’ controversial statements
Reasons for blocking
Smotricz's speech at the conference was clear and clear. The Minister stated that:
"We cannot manage war in the present global reality. No 1 will let us to origin 2 million civilians to die hungry, even if it may be justified and ethical, until our hostages are returned.”
Smotricz argued that Israel provides humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip due to the fact that it has no another choice but besides called for full control of what goes into the Palestinian enclave. His position suggests that the blockade is simply a force tool aimed at forcing the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Opposition to prisoner exchange
Smotricz reiterated his opposition to any agreement on the exchange of prisoners with Hamas, claiming that:
"Current proposals for ceasefire are 'unfair and unethical' due to the fact that they will lead to the release of only a fewer hostages and endanger the safety of the state."
The Minister argued that the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages was dangerous due to the fact that the freed prisoners “will return to kill Jews”. specified statements item his firm attitude towards any negotiations with Hamas.
Conflicts around Resettlement
Smotricz besides reiterated his controversial position on the resettlement of Gaza residents, claiming that:
“Where there is no settlement, there is terror.”
This message refers to the policy of building Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, which the UN considers illegal and constituting a serious obstacle to the two-state solution.
International reactions
UN and global community condemnation
The war in the Gaza Strip and Israel's policy have been widely condemned internationally. Israel disregards the UN safety Council resolution on an immediate ceasefire. Since October 2023, the offensive in Gaza has already consumed nearly 40,000 victims, mostly women and children, according to the Palestinian side. specified actions of Israel are criticised by many countries and global organisations, which call for the immediate end of force and access to humanitarian aid.
Ethical and legal aspects of the blockade
Smotricz's statements and Israel's policy towards Gaza rise serious ethical and legal questions. Blocking humanitarian aid, which leads to hunger and suffering for civilians, is contrary to global humanitarian law. The Geneva Conventions clearly specify the obligations of the parties to the conflict in the field of civilian protection and ensuring access to humanitarian aid.
Conclusion
Statements by Israel's finance minister, Becalel Smotricz, on the humanitarian blockade of the Gaza Strip, on the exchange of prisoners and on the settlement policy, rise controversy and face global condemnation. His position, justifying the blockade as "ethical" and opposing the exchange of prisoners, is seen as utmost and inhuman. The conflict in the Gaza Strip requires an urgent solution that takes into account the rights and needs of all parties, and statements specified as Smotrics only exacerbate tensions and hinder the accomplishment of peace.
One thing is certain – the planet must not stay indifferent to the suffering of civilians and human rights violations. Any action that leads to hunger and the death of innocent people must be explicitly condemned and detained.
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Blocking humanitarian aid for Gaza, says Becall Smotricz
