The UN’s humanitarian chief has said people in Gaza are being subjected to forced starvation by Israel.In an interview with the BBC, Tom Fletcher said he believed this had led to a change in the international response to Gaza. Asked if his assessment of forced starvation amounted to a war crime, he said: “Yeah, it is. It is classified as a war crime. Obviously, these are issues for the courts to take the judgement on, and ultimately for history to take a judgement on.”Mr Fletcher also expressed regret for saying recently that 14,000 babies could die within 48 hours in Gaza if aid was not allowed in – a claim the UN later drew back – and acknowledged a need to be “precise” with language. Israel began to allow limited aid into Gaza last week, after an almost three-month blockade had halted the delivery of supplies such as food, medicine, fuel and shelter.It also resumed its military offensive two weeks after imposing the blockade, ending a two-month ceasefire with Hamas. Israel said the steps were intended to put pressure on the armed group to release the 58 hostages still held in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive.Since the easing of the blockade, scenes of chaos have broken out at aid distribution centres run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation – a US- and Israeli-backed group. The UN, which refuses to cooperate with the GHF, said 47 people were injured earlier this week after crowds overwhelmed one of the centres. Mr Fletcher said: “We’re seeing food set on the borders and …
