Israel says it's not obligated to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza

The Israeli government has provided the country's High Court with a response to petitions filed by human rights organizations, which demand that Israel expand the humanitarian aid being sent to the Gaza Strip, the Israeli daily Haaretz reported.

The petitioners argued that, according to a ruling by the International Court of Justice declaring Israel as an occupying power in Gaza, Israel is responsible for supplying aid to the local population. However, the government contended that Israel does not exercise "effective control" over Gaza and, therefore, is not obligated to increase humanitarian assistance.

In its response, the Israeli government pointed out that the army was not consistently present during the conflict and is not currently operating in populated areas. It further explained that military forces are still engaged in combat with numerous militants and are unable to carry out governmental functions on the ground. Despite significant damage to Hamas, the government noted that the organization remains operational.

The Gisha organization, one of the petitioners, commented: "The state's response proves that Israel continues to deny its obligations toward the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. Despite the clear ruling by the International Court of Justice in The Hague, recognizing Israel as the occupying power in Gaza, the state shirks its responsibility and disregards the catastrophic impact of its actions in the region."