On Wednesday (August,08) the European Union, France, and the UK denounced Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for suggesting that it would be "justified and moral" to starve two million Gazans to free hostages held in the Palestinian territory. Smotrich's comments were made at a conference earlier this week and have sparked widespread international outrage.

The EU labeled Smotrich's remarks as a "war crime," emphasizing that the deliberate starvation of civilians is unacceptable under international law. The EU called for the Israeli government to distance itself from Smotrich's statements and reiterated the need for an "immediate ceasefire" to facilitate the release of hostages and improve aid distribution in Gaza.

France expressed "deep dismay" at Smotrich's comments, emphasizing that providing humanitarian aid to Gaza is an "obligation under international humanitarian law." The UK Foreign Minister, David Lammy, called for the Israeli government to retract and condemn Smotrich's remarks.

Since the conflict began on October 7, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly, with almost the entire population displaced and facing severe food shortages. The ongoing war has resulted in extensive casualties, with at least 39,677 reported dead in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.