“Egypt considers such disgraceful statements to be unacceptable in both form and substance, as they constitute a blatant violation of the rules of international humanitarian law and the four Geneva Conventions, which obligate Israel, as the occupying power, to ensure the safe living conditions and necessities for the Palestinian people under occupation,” The Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement.

“Egypt also regarded these irresponsible statements as an unacceptable incitement against the residents of Gaza and a continued refusal to implement the provisional measures that the International Court of Justice has called upon Israel to enact,” the statement read.

Egypt reminded all members of the international community that the essence and foundation of international humanitarian law have been shaped and developed over the past decades to combat and prevent such practices that undermine human dignity.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry called for an effective international effort to put an end to the tragedies faced by civilians in Gaza and to ensure the preservation of the minimum legal and ethical standards in times of war.

Smotrich stated on Monday that allowing two million civilians in Gaza to starve to death "might be justified and moral" if it is necessary for the release of the hostages.

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borell denounced the statement on Wednesday, stating that deliberate starvation of civilians is a war crime and that “Minister Smotrich advocating for it is beyond ignominious.”