Legal Prohibition under the Fourth Geneva Convention

Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention unequivocally prohibits “collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism … against protected persons” who have not personally committed a wrongdoing. This rule has become customary international law, binding all parties in both international and non-international armed conflicts.

Siege & Blockade: A Weaponised Strategy

The comprehensive blockade imposed since March 2025 effectively halts the supply of food, water, fuel, medicine, and humanitarian aid, directly impacting Gaza’s 2.4 million residents. UN officials have labeled this tactic as "cruel collective punishment", underlining that denying basic needs “kills” and violates international obligations under occupation law. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has warned that banning aid operations “could result in more child deaths” and constitutes “a form of collective punishment”—a war crime under Article 33.

Denial of Essentials & Humanitarian Aid

Israel’s control over crossings has resulted in aid convoys piling up—over 3,000 trucks delayed—leaving one million children in danger under “total systemic collapse”. The UN humanitarian chief emphasised that using aid as leverage is absolutely forbidden: “Aid… should never be a bargaining chip… Blocking aid kills”.

Siege as Collective Punishment under International Humanitarian Law

UN Commissioner Navi Pillay has stated Israel’s siege “weaponised the provision of life-sustaining necessities for strategic and political gains,” and constitutes collective punishment disproportionately harming vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and children, leading to starvation and disease.

Recognised War-Crime by International Actors

Human Rights Watch confirmed that Israel is “using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare,” blockading essentials, blocking agricultural access, and impeding humanitarian aid—all recognised war crimes under the Rome Statute (Art. 8b xxv) and Geneva IV.

Civilians search for survivors after Israeli air strike in the Gaza Strip (October 2023)

Image credit: Medicins Sans Frontieres