New study shuts down ICC charges against Israel over Gaza starvation claims

Study Challenges ICC’s Investigation of Starvation Claims Against Israel, Uncovers Hamas’s Role in Aid Distribution

A newly released study is challenging claims of starvation in Gaza, which have been central to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation against Israel. The study, conducted by Israeli public health experts, provides a data-driven analysis of food supplies entering Gaza during the first seven months of the Hamas-Israel war. It reveals that there is no evidence of famine or intentional deprivation, and instead, points to Hamas’s systematic manipulation of aid distribution as a tool of control. Despite these findings, the ICC has continued its investigation, while the United Nations and other international bodies have remained critical of Israel’s actions, particularly its recent decision to halt goods and supplies into Gaza following Hamas’s refusal to extend a ceasefire or release hostages.

The study, titled "Food supplied to Gaza during seven months of the Hamas-Israel war," was led by nutrition and public health experts Aron Troen and Ronit Endevelt, along with researchers from multiple Israeli universities and the Ministry of Health. It analyzed food shipments into Gaza from January to July 2024, using international food composition databases and humanitarian standards to track calorie intake, nutritional value, and aid efforts. The researchers found that the daily per capita caloric supply averaged 3,374 kcal, meeting or exceeding international humanitarian food aid standards. Between January and April 2024, nearly 15,000 trucks carrying over 227,000 tons of food entered Gaza, with an average of 124 food trucks per day.

Despite these findings, the ICC has rejected Israeli appeals and issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The court’s investigation has been widely criticized for ignoring Hamas’s role in controlling aid distribution and for relying on reports that fail to account for the terrorist organization’s corrupt practices. Retired Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, a former IDF international spokesperson, has dismissed claims of starvation, stating that Hamas hoards supplies while Israel ensures aid enters. "Over 25,200 trucks arrived during the ceasefire – enough for four months. If there’s hunger, it’s because of Hamas corruption, not a lack of food," he said.

Hamas’s Role in Weaponizing Food Distribution

One of the key findings of the study is the distinction between food supply and distribution. While enough food has entered Gaza to meet the population’s needs, Hamas has systematically weaponized food distribution, using it as a tool of control. Aid often hasn’t reached those in need because Hamas has seized supplies, sold them on the black market, or prioritized its own fighters. Reports of famine are not due to a lack of aid but Hamas’s deliberate strategy of restricting access to maintain power and profit. This manipulation has been largely ignored by the ICC and other international bodies, which have focused their criticism on Israel’s actions.

The study’s lead authors have emphasized that their research does not enter the political fray but focuses on the nutritional facts. "We didn’t enter politics," said Professor Ronit Endevelt. "We just wanted to know if, from a nutritional perspective, the food entering Gaza was sufficient. We double-checked our data multiple times to avoid exaggeration." Despite their efforts to remain impartial, the researchers have faced challenges in publishing their findings due to what they describe as an anti-Israel bias in parts of the scientific community. The study was ultimately published in the Israeli Journal of Health Policy Research, a peer-reviewed journal under Springer Nature, after undergoing an unusually rigorous review process.

UN Silence and the ICC’s Ongoing Investigation

The United Nations has also come under scrutiny for its role in the crisis. While U.N. relief chief Tom Fletcher has criticized Israel’s decision to halt goods and supplies into Gaza, the organization has failed to address Hamas’s manipulation of aid distribution. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warned of imminent famine in Gaza in March 2024, but its reports have been widely criticized for ignoring Hamas’s role in the crisis. When asked by Fox News Digital whether the new findings would be considered in its investigation, the ICC Office of the Prosecutor responded that its investigations are built from a wide range of sources, but it could not provide further details due to confidentiality.

The study’s authors have called for greater transparency and cooperation between U.N. agencies, COGAT, and Palestinian civil society to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. "One thing is clear: given the amount of food entering Gaza and ongoing reports of hunger, distribution must be improved," said Professor Aron Troen. "Effective cooperation between U.N. agencies, COGAT, and Palestinian civil society, without Hamas’ interference, is crucial to ensuring aid reaches those who need it most."

Conclusion: The Need for Transparency and Accountability

The study’s findings highlight the importance of objective, data-driven analysis in evaluating humanitarian crises. By focusing on the facts and avoiding political bias, the researchers have provided a much-needed perspective on the situation in Gaza. However, the ongoing criticism of Israel by the ICC and the U.N. raises serious questions about the fairness and accuracy of these institutions. As the conflict continues, it is imperative that international bodies take into account the full picture, including Hamas’s role in manipulating aid distribution, and work towards a solution that prioritizes the well-being of the people of Gaza.

Ultimately, the study underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in humanitarian efforts. Without addressing the root causes of the crisis, including Hamas’s corrupt practices, any efforts to alleviate suffering in Gaza will fall short. The international community must demand a more honest and balanced approach to this complex issue, one that holds all parties accountable for their actions and ensures that aid reaches those who need it most.