Israeli blockade on Gaza reaches 60th day

The 30th of April marks the 60th day since Israel started a complete blockade of food, water, medicine and medical supplies entering Gaza on 2 March, more than two weeks before Israel broke the ceasefire agreement on 18 March 18 to restart attacks on Palestinians in the enclave.

The UN has warned of famine-like conditions across the enclave and has called for action to stop a “humanitarian catastrophe”.

In addition, Israel’s blockade is in violation of the Geneva Conventions. Article 55 of the Fourth Geneva Convention says that an occupying power “has the duty of ensuring the food and medical supplies of the population; it should, in particular, bring in the necessary foodstuffs, medical stores and other articles if the resources of the occupied territory are inadequate”.

If the population of an occupied territory does not have adequate supplies, Article 59 says that the occupying power “shall agree to relief schemes on behalf of the said population and shall facilitate them by all the means at its disposal”.

By not providing food, water or medicine, and by denying other people and organisations, Israel continues to be in violation of its duties towards the Palestinians in Gaza.