Jaffa: Israeli Arabs continued on Monday their wave of protests against Israel's blockade on the Gaza Strip, accusing the government of using hunger as a weapon of war. The latest actions include a three-day symbolic hunger strike by prominent Israeli Arab leaders, following a mass rally Friday in the northern city of Sakhnin that drew thousands.

According to Anadolu Agency, Knesset member Ahmad Tibi, who joined the hunger strike, said the Higher Follow-Up Committee took the decision for Arab Citizens of Israel. Tibi described the hunger strike as a symbolic act aimed at opposing what he referred to as Israel's "criminal starvation policies in Gaza." He highlighted the dire situation, stating that 136 children have died from hunger, and in the past month alone, 1,000 children have been killed by bombing and fire.

Tibi also pointed to the broader crisis, mentioning mounting settler violence in the occupied West Bank, which he claimed is backed and facilitated by the Israeli army and police. He emphasized the importance of global awareness, urging the world to recognize the protests by the leaders of Palestinians of 1948. Tibi praised the significant participation at the Sakhnin rally, noting it demonstrated the unity of the Arab community inside Israel.

Israeli Arabs make up 21% of Israel's nearly 10 million population. The Higher Follow-Up Committee announced that demonstrations would proceed with a protest in Jaffa on Monday, followed by a rally outside the US Embassy on Tuesday.

Earlier Monday, UNICEF issued a warning that every Palestinian in Gaza is now hungry, with children being the most affected, due to Israel's prolonged blockade that has disrupted the supply of essentials like baby formula. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli army has continued its offensive on Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in nearly 60,000 Palestinian deaths, primarily women and children. The ongoing bombardment has led to widespread destruction and food shortages.

In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions in the enclave.