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, Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard has said, 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,” csaid 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,” Maria Malmer Stenergard stressed.