Israeli Activists Condemn Army’s Role in Gaza Starvation as Death Toll Tops 51,400

Israeli human rights advocates have publicly accused their military of deliberately starving civilians in Gaza during a Tel Aviv protest organized by Parents Against Child Detention, Anadolu Agency reported. Demonstrators held empty pots—symbolizing famine conditions—under the slogan “Enough war, enough starvation.”

Gaza’s 2.4 million people, reliant on aid, face severe food shortages since Israel sealed border crossings on March 2. The protest, though small, highlighted rare domestic dissent, with activists stating, “When children starve for days, we must act.”

Parallel protests by the group Standing Together saw thousands demand an end to the war, criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu’s policies for exacerbating Palestinian suffering and endangering Israeli hostages. Protesters defied police bans to display images of Gaza’s dead children.

Since October 2023, Israel’s assault has killed 51,400 Palestinians, mostly women and children. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and ex-Defense Minister Gallant for alleged war crimes, while Israel faces genocide charges at the UN’s top court.