The Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) issued an urgent appeal to the United Nations (UN) on Wednesday, requesting immediate intervention to reopen Gaza's border crossings to prevent an impending famine in the region.

In a statement, the ICHR called on the UN and other international organizations to take decisive action to pressure Israeli authorities to allow unrestricted access for humanitarian supplies, particularly to northern Gaza, where residents have endured intensified siege conditions for more than 40 days. The entire population of northern Gaza has been forcibly displaced amid the prolonged blockade.

This appeal follows a recent alert from the Famine Review Committee (FRC) on November 8, 2024, which warned of an “imminent and substantial likelihood of famine” due to rapidly deteriorating conditions in Gaza. The FRC emphasized the need for immediate action to address what it called a humanitarian catastrophe in the area, particularly in the northern region.

The FRC’s alert highlighted the urgent necessity of permitting “unimpeded humanitarian supplies of food, water, medical and nutrition supplies, and other essential items” into Gaza and called for an end to the blockade in northern Gaza. The committee further demanded an end to attacks on health facilities and other vital civilian infrastructure.

Additionally, the FRC urged that humanitarian support be extended to include repairs and restocking of Gaza's health facilities, the release of detained health personnel, and restoration of Gaza's water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems. It warned that without these interventions, Gaza’s population could face heightened risks of disease and mortality as winter approaches.

The ICHR stressed that Israel’s use of starvation as a tactic in the ongoing conflict constitutes a direct violation of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions. It noted that, according to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Israel, as the occupying power, is obligated to cooperate with the UN to ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential humanitarian aid, including food, water, electricity, fuel, and medical care, to all residents of Gaza.

The commission also urged the establishment of a dedicated body to oversee Israel's compliance with ICJ rulings. This body would work to enforce Israel’s obligations under international law and facilitate adequate humanitarian support to meet the urgent needs of Gaza’s population.

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the ICHR calls for immediate international pressure on Israel to implement the FRC’s recommendations, reopen border crossings, and allow unrestricted humanitarian assistance to reach Gaza. (ILKHA)