Israel’s refusal to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and its targeting of aid distribution points is causing civilians to starve, which constitutes a war crime, says Sweden’s foreign minister, AFP reports.

“To use starvation of civilians as a method of war is a war crime. Life-saving humanitarian help must never be politicised or militarised,” Maria Malmer Stenergard said at a press conference.

“There are strong indications right now that Israel is not living up to its commitments under international humanitarian law,” she said.

“It is crucial that food, water and medicine swiftly reach the civilian population, many of whom are women and children living under wholly inhumane conditions,” she said.