Israel criticizes UN humanitarian chief for calling to prevent genocide in Gaza

(Patria) - Israel sharply criticized the United Nations humanitarian chief yesterday for asking the UN Security Council whether it would act to "prevent genocide" in the Gaza Strip, where experts say famine looms after Israel blocked aid deliveries for 75 days.

While briefing the 15-member body this week, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said: "Will you act decisively to prevent genocide and ensure compliance with international humanitarian law?"

Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon accused Fletcher of delivering a "political sermon" and weaponizing the word genocide against Israel, questioning under what authority he made what Israel considers an accusation, Reuters reports.

"You had the audacity, in your capacity as a senior UN official, to stand before the Security Council and invoke the charge of genocide without evidence, mandate, or restraint.

It was a completely inappropriate and deeply irresponsible statement that shattered any notion of neutrality," Danon stated.

Under international law, genocide is the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. It includes killing, causing serious bodily or mental harm, and inflicting conditions calculated to bring about physical destruction.

The war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants killed 1,200 people in southern Israel and took about 250 hostages. Since then, more than 53,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks.

Israel has accused Hamas of stealing humanitarian aid, which they deny, and has blocked all aid to Gaza since March 2, demanding that Hamas release all remaining hostages.

The Global Hunger Watch warned on Monday that half a million people are facing starvation – about a quarter of the population in the enclave.

United States President Donald Trump said yesterday that "many people are starving in Gaza."