Palestinians ‘poisoned’ by canned food 'intentionally’ left by Israeli army: report

The Palestinian Civil Defence in Gaza reported a disturbing case of food poisoning affecting several women and children who consumed canned food deliberately left behind by the Israeli occupation forces.

According to the agency, the incident took place in the Shejaiya neighborhood in northern Gaza. The area is currently facing a severe food shortage due to the ongoing Israeli siege.

"We urge citizens to exercise extreme caution when encountering such canned goods, particularly dairy products. Refrain from consuming them, as the Israeli occupation forces intentionally leave these spoiled items to harm those who consume them," Spokesman Mahmoud Basal warned.

He highlighted the issue in a video statement, emphasising the dangers posed by these deceptive tactics. 

At least 15 individuals, including women and children were hospitalised after consuming the tainted food. The incident further exposed the decepive tactics used by Israeli army to target innocent civilians in Gaza.

In September, the United Nations (UN) warned about Israel’s deliberate policy of starving Palestinians, who are grappling with famine and disease that are taking their lives at a more rapid pace than Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Michael Fakhri, submitted a report on Monday to the UN General Assembly, detailing how the food shortage and deplorable hygienic conditions in the besieged enclave pose a serious threat to the lives of Palestinians amid the Israeli military offensive.

“Israel’s ‘starvation campaign’ in Gaza is killing more people than bombs and bullets,” the report said.

The overall Palestinian death toll since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza has reached at least 44,757 with more than 104,008 wounded. Thousands more remain trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings.