Brussels: The European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib has called on Israel to cease its starvation policy in Gaza, where recent reports indicate a rise in deaths due to malnutrition.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lahbib made her appeal on the social media platform X, emphasizing the need for Israel to allow effective and large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. She described the human suffering in Gaza as "shattering" and further urged the release of all Israeli hostages held in the enclave, highlighting the importance of humanity prevailing in the crisis.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 60,400 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. Meanwhile, the attacks on October 7, 2023, led to the death of approximately 1,200 people in Israel and the capture of around 250 hostages. Currently, fifty hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to be alive.