Condemnations Erupt Over Israeli Finance Minister's Comments on Gaza Starvation

Israel's far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has come under severe criticism from Western allies after suggesting that the starvation of Gaza's population could be justified until hostages captured by Hamas are returned. The European Union and various international figures condemned the remarks as violations of international law and basic human rights.

Israel's far-right Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has sparked international outrage following his remarks suggesting that starving Gaza's more than 2 million Palestinians could be 'just and moral' until hostages taken by Hamas on October 7 are freed.

Speaking at a conference on Monday, Smotrich advocated for the continued provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza, acknowledging the global impracticality of such starvation measures while still defending them as potentially just. The comments have drawn harsh criticism from Western allies.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell labeled the remarks 'beyond ignominious,' and Britain's foreign secretary, David Lammy, demanded an official retraction. Germany's ambassador to Israel, Steffen Siebert, also condemned the comments as unacceptable. Gaza remains in a humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by ongoing Israeli restrictions and violence.

(With inputs from agencies.)