Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused Israel of waging a “war of destruction” against Palestine, citing a UNICEF report that reveals approximately 60,000 children in Gaza suffer from severe malnutrition due to ongoing blockades. The statement, delivered on May 6, 2025, condemns global inaction and frames the conflict as a humanitarian crisis1.
Maduro’s Accusations and Humanitarian Concerns
Maduro’s remarks were broadcast live on social media, where he described Israel’s military actions as “genocide” and criticized the international community for its silence. He referenced a UNICEF report highlighting the dire conditions in Gaza, where food, water, and medical aid remain restricted due to a 60-day blockade2. The Venezuelan leader emphasized Palestine’s right to sovereignty under UN resolutions and called the situation “one of history’s most horrific crimes.”
The UNICEF data aligns with UNRWA reports indicating that Palestinians in Gaza are now eating only once every two to three days due to aid restrictions3. Amnesty International has warned of an imminent famine, stating there is “no food left” in some areas4.
Military and Geopolitical Context
Israel’s military operations in Gaza have escalated since March 2025, with over 2,459 killed and 6,569 wounded in the past two months alone. Cumulative casualties since October 2023 exceed 52,567 deaths and 118,610 injuries5. The Israeli government has approved plans to expand territorial control, displacing civilians and further straining resources.
Additional developments include Israel’s destruction of Yemen’s Hodeidah Port Dock No. 5, which has exacerbated regional humanitarian crises by disrupting aid shipments6. The EU has called for restraint but stopped short of condemning Israel’s occupation plans, while Hamas rejects negotiations under famine conditions, labeling Israel’s policies as “war crimes”7.
International Reactions and Legal Implications
Maduro’s statements echo broader criticisms from human rights organizations. Amnesty International and UNRWA have documented systematic violations of international law, including the deliberate restriction of humanitarian aid8. The EU’s muted response contrasts with calls from NGOs for immediate intervention to prevent further civilian casualties.
Quotes from Maduro underscore the severity of the crisis:
“This is a war of annihilation… Silence equals complicity in crimes against humanity.”9
“Palestine’s millennia-old land rights cannot be erased by occupation.”10
Conclusion
The escalating conflict in Gaza continues to draw condemnation from global leaders and humanitarian organizations. With malnutrition rates soaring and civilian casualties mounting, the international community faces mounting pressure to address what Maduro and others describe as a “war of destruction.” The long-term implications for regional stability and international law remain uncertain as the crisis persists.
References
- “Maduro Condemns Israel’s ‘War of Annihilation’ in Gaza.” Jamaran News, 6 May 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.jamaran.news.
- “UNICEF Report on Child Malnutrition in Gaza.” Mehr News, 6 May 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6458572.
- “UNRWA: Palestinians Eating Once Every 2–3 Days.” IRNA, 6 May 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.irna.ir.
- “Amnesty International Warns of Gaza Famine.” Ghatreh News, 6 May 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.ghatreh.com.
- “Casualty Figures in Gaza Since March 2025.” Shahrekhabar, 6 May 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.shahrekhabar.com/news/174652740047138.
- “Israel Destroys Yemen’s Hodeidah Port Dock.” Didban Iran, 6 May 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.didbaniran.ir.
- “Hamas Rejects Negotiations Amid Famine.” Vista.ir, 6 May 2025. [Online]. Available: https://vista.ir.
- “EU Calls for Restraint in Gaza.” Khabar Farsi, 6 May 2025. [Online]. Available: https://khabarfarsi.com.
- “Maduro’s Full Statement on Gaza.” Jamaran News, 6 May 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.jamaran.news.
- “Venezuela’s Position on Palestinian Sovereignty.” Mehr News, 6 May 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.mehrnews.com.
