Israels PM has denied seeking to starve the Palestinian enclave despite heavy UN criticism

Israel could have wiped out Gaza's population within hours if it had intended to commit genocide, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed, while denying that his government is pursuing a pre-mediated policy of starvation in the Palestinian enclave.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Netanyahu scrambled to defend himself against heavy international criticism of Israel's campaign in Gaza, which many view as a deliberate attempt to starve the enclave into submission.

He insisted that there "hasn't been starvation" in the area, describing the situation instead as a temporary "shortage."

"If we had wanted starvation, if that had been our policy, two million Gazans wouldn't be living today after 20 months... If we had wanted to commit genocide, it would have taken exactly one afternoon," he said.

From early March until May, Israel imposed a complete ban on the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Although Netanyahu said that the restrictions have since been lifted, the UN insists that supply convoys to the enclave are frequently obstructed or looted.

In late July, UN agencies reported "mounting evidence" of famine in Gaza, with images of emaciated children circulating in the media.

According to Gaza's Health Ministry, more than 200 people, including 98 children, have died from malnutrition. In May, a total of 470,000 people were estimated to face "catastrophic hunger," according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).

Israel has come under a barrage of international criticism in recent months, with several Western countries announcing plans to recognize the state of Palestine. Moreover, last week NBC News reported that US President Donald Trump had shouted at Netanyahu during a recent phone call after the prime minister attempted to downplay reports of starvation in Gaza.

Last week, Israel approved Netanyahu's plan to seize Gaza City, with the prime minister insisting it was the only way to secure the release of hostages still held in the enclave as well as its demilitarization. His remarks, however, have resulted in Israeli protests, with thousands taking to the streets across the country.

(RT.com)