Tel aviv: A coalition of more than 80 international Orthodox rabbis issued a statement that urged Israel to address starvation in the Gaza Strip and condemn settler violence. Former International Director of American Jewish Committee David Rosen shared on a joint statement Tuesday, “A Call for Moral Clarity, Responsibility, and a Jewish Orthodox Response in the Face of the Gaza Humanitarian Crisis,” on social media, that demanded Israel confront the widespread starvation in Gaza and denounce extremist settler violence.

According to Anadolu Agency, the rabbis emphasized that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is one of the most severe in recent history. They stated that while Hamas attacks do not absolve Israel’s government from responsibility, it must assume its share of accountability for the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population. The statement highlighted that Israel’s prolonged military campaign has devastated the region, urging the government in Tel Aviv to prevent mass starvation.

The rabbis pointed out the absence of a clear post-war vision from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which they believe has allowed extreme voices in the Israeli government to propose disturbing measures, including the forced ‘voluntary’ exile of Palestinians from Gaza. They stressed that Israel’s future depends on its moral clarity, calling for justice, righteousness, and peace for all.

The statement also addressed the ongoing military campaign by Israel, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 62,100 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. The campaign has left the enclave facing a severe famine. In addition to the humanitarian crisis, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Furthermore, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.