Escalation at Al-Aqsa Mosque and Continued Crimes of Aggression, Starvation, and Humanitarian Collapse in the Gaza Strip

Date: April 7, 2026

Press Statement

Escalation at Al-Aqsa Mosque and Continued Crimes of Aggression, Starvation, and Humanitarian Collapse in the Gaza Strip

The International Commission to Support Palestinian Rights (ICSPR) is following with deep concern and strong condemnation the dangerous and rapidly escalating Israeli violations against the Palestinian people. These violations are no longer limited to direct military operations, but have evolved into a comprehensive system of compounded crimes, including large-scale killings, starvation, targeting of healthcare, destruction of means of life, attacks on religious sites, and the use of local proxy groups in managing violence. These acts amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity and fall within acts of ethnic cleansing and genocide.

ICSPR stated that the developments in the Gaza Strip over recent hours and days reflect a repeated pattern of direct targeting of civilians. Field massacres have been documented, including the targeting of civilian gatherings in the vicinity of Al-Shawa Square, east of Gaza City, resulting in the killing of several civilians, including Ahmed Abu Shawish, Mohammed Al-Suweirki, Ramzi Al-Shawa, and Mustafa Al-Skafi, in addition to others in various areas.

The citizen Majdi Aslan was also killed in the southern part of the Strip, along with Jamal Mushtaha while inspecting his home. Attacks also targeted Sheikh Radwan and Khan Younis, including the killing of persons with disabilities such as Ziad Al-Nabahin, and the injury of the young man Jamal Qazaa in northern Gaza.

Field data indicates a dangerous escalation in casualties, with 24 Palestinians killed and dozens injured during the past 48 hours, according to the Ministry of Health. This brings the cumulative toll to 72,302 killed and 172,090 injured since October 7, 2023, including 723 killed since the ceasefire, while thousands remain trapped under the rubble.

ICSPR strongly condemned the organized attack carried out by local proxy militias affiliated with the occupation on civilians’ homes east of Al-Maghazi camp, under direct aerial cover from Israeli drones that provided fire support. The attack resulted in the killing of at least 11 civilians and the injury of dozens. Evidence indicates that drones targeted civilians while they were defending themselves and their homes, reflecting a dangerous pattern of using local tools to manage violence, spread chaos, and undermine social cohesion actions legally attributable to the occupying power and constituting a full-fledged war crime.

ICSPR also condemned the systematic military escalation and widespread destruction in areas classified as “yellow zones” under Israeli control. The occupation continues heavy artillery and aerial bombardment, including mortar shelling of residential neighborhoods in eastern Gaza, Khan Younis, and northern Gaza, as well as the use of quadcopter drones for direct fire. Civilian vehicles were targeted near the “yellow line” and Salah al-Din Street, alongside ongoing incursions, land bulldozing, and heavy gunfire in eastern areas. Civilians were also targeted while moving or inspecting their homes, reflecting excessive and disproportionate use of force in violation of the principles of distinction and proportionality.

ICSPR further condemned the deepening policy of starvation as a systematic tool to subjugate the population. The Strip is witnessing an unprecedented food security crisis, with a 50% shortage in bread supply and a decline in bakery production from 300 tons to 200 tons daily. Long queues, severe shortages of flour and fuel, and the closure of many bakeries have exacerbated the crisis. Internal practices such as hoarding and price manipulation have further worsened the situation. ICSPR considers these policies as the use of starvation as a weapon of war, in clear violation of international humanitarian law.

The Commission reiterated its warning about the collapse of the healthcare system and the denial of treatment to patients. The health crisis is worsening due to shortages of medicines and restrictions on patient travel, leading to the deaths of several patients and wounded individuals, including the child Jalal Al-Qatsh, who died due to inability to travel for treatment. Only around 50 patients and companions have been allowed to leave through Rafah Crossing so far, putting the lives of approximately 20,000 patients and wounded individuals at risk.

The obstruction of medical supplies, fuel, oil, and spare parts has also led to the shutdown of dozens of generators in hospitals, threatening intensive care units and dialysis departments, and endangering patients’ lives. ICSPR stressed that this reality amounts to indirect killing and deliberate gross negligence.

ICSPR strongly condemned the continued targeting of humanitarian workers. Israeli forces fired at a World Health Organization vehicle on Salah al-Din Road, killing the driver and injuring a foreign staff member. This attack led to the suspension of patient travel through Rafah Crossing and constitutes a war crime and a grave violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the protections afforded to humanitarian personnel.

The Commission also highlighted the ongoing displacement crisis and environmental and health deterioration. Weather conditions have destroyed and flooded thousands of tents, while the occupation continues to obstruct the entry of temporary housing, tents, and equipment. This has hindered the response of humanitarian organizations and rescue teams, alongside the accumulation of waste, lack of sanitation services, and the spread of rodents, all of which signal an impending environmental and health catastrophe threatening hundreds of thousands of displaced persons.

ICSPR warned of the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque for the 38th consecutive day, with unprecedented restrictions on worshippers, alongside incitement by settler groups to storm the mosque and perform rituals within its courtyards, as part of attempts to impose Israeli sovereignty over it constituting a violation of the legal and historical status quo.

The Commission also pointed to the ongoing raids and arrests across cities in the West Bank, in addition to settler attacks involving the burning of homes and vehicles and the storming of villages, within a systematic policy aimed at imposing a settlement reality by force.

ICSPR emphasized that these Israeli crimes reflect a systematic policy aimed at undermining the ability to survive, combining direct killing, starvation, denial of medical care, destruction of living conditions, and the use of chaos and proxy militias. These acts align with the definitions of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The Commission stressed that the Gaza Strip is on the brink of total collapse, and that continued international silence risks entrenching an unprecedented catastrophic reality. Accordingly, ICSPR called on mediators, the United Nations, and State parties to the Geneva Conventions to take immediate action to halt Israeli crimes in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem; ensure compliance with the ceasefire; allow the unhindered entry of humanitarian and medical aid; provide international protection for civilians; activate international accountability mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court; and impose sanctions on Israel.

End