Ankara: The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that Israel’s impunity for war crimes and violations of international law has emboldened it to continue its policy of starving Gaza.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the ministry’s statement, issued on Saturday, commented on the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report supported by the United Nations. The findings reveal the humanitarian crisis caused by what the ministry described as ‘genocidal policies’ by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government against Palestinians in Gaza.

The ministry’s statement further asserted that Israel’s actions are fueled by a lack of accountability for its severe breaches and war crimes. It emphasized the necessity of achieving a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring accountability for perpetrators, and maintaining open humanitarian corridors as basic obligations under international law.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry reiterated that Ankara will maintain its ‘unconditional support for the just struggle of the Palestinian people.’

Turkey’s remarks followed the release of a UN-backed report confirming that Gaza has entered a state of famine. The report also warned that by the end of September, famine could spread to Deir al-Balah in central Gaza and Khan Younis in the south. Israel rejected the report, claiming it relied on ‘phone interviews,’ despite the report being based on verifiable data.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the death toll from malnutrition has risen to 281 people, including 114 children, since October 2023. Since March 2, Israel has sealed all crossings into Gaza, restricting humanitarian aid to quantities insufficient to meet the basic needs of the population.