Palestinian boys load food aid received from an UNRWA distribution center onto a cart at the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. AFP
A fragile ceasefire since January 19 saw an influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza before Israel on Sunday announced it was blocking deliveries until Palestinian group Hamas accepted its new terms for an extension of the ceasefire phase one instead of moving to phase two.
The group of more than 30 experts- specialists in various fields who are mandated by the UN Human Rights Council - said the Israeli action breached international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel would "open the gates of hell" in Gaza if all captives taken on October 7, 2023, were not returned. Gaza has already been devastated by the Israeli war.
"Apart from the cruelty of these statements on the second day of the holy month of Ramadan, these moves are patently unlawful under international law," the experts said.
"As the occupying power, Israel is always obliged to ensure sufficient food, medical supplies and other relief services."
"Israel is once again weaponising aid. These are serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws, and war crimes and crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute," they added.
Israel stopped aid deliveries into Gaza, saying they were being diverted by Hamas.
Israel wants an extension of the first phase of the ceasefire until mid-April. It is imposing new conditions, demanding the return of captives, the total demilitarisation of Gaza and the departure of Hamas before the second phase of the ceasefire accord starts.
Hamas has demanded that the second phase, which should see the negotiation of a permanent ceasefire, be started as agreed.
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