Thu Jun 12 21:16:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the text, written from an Indian perspective, as if published in “The Hindu”:

**Summary:**

Sweden’s Foreign Minister has accused Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza by blocking humanitarian aid and targeting aid distribution points, leading to starvation among civilians. The Minister stated that Israel is not fulfilling its obligations under international humanitarian law. Sweden halted funding to UNRWA in December 2024 but continues to provide aid to Gaza through other UN organizations, making it a significant donor. The country has committed substantial financial aid to Gaza since the start of the conflict in October 2023.

**News Article (as it might appear in *The Hindu*):**

**Sweden Accuses Israel of War Crimes in Gaza, Hindering Aid and Causing Starvation**

*By The Hindu Staff*
*Stockholm, June 13, 2025*

Sweden’s Foreign Minister, Maria Malmer Stenergard, has leveled strong accusations against Israel, stating that its actions in Gaza constitute war crimes. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Stenergard condemned Israel’s refusal to allow humanitarian aid into the region and the targeting of aid distribution points, actions she argues are deliberately causing starvation among the civilian population.

“To use starvation of civilians as a method of war is a war crime,” Stenergard stated unequivocally. “Life-saving humanitarian help must never be politicized or militarized.”

Her comments come amidst increasing international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Earlier in June, the UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, also raised concerns about deadly attacks on civilians around aid distribution sites, suggesting they constituted war crimes. Several rights groups, including Amnesty International, have even accused Israel of genocide, a charge Israel vehemently denies.

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

The Swedish Foreign Minister stressed the urgent need for food, water, and medicine to reach the civilian population, highlighting the “wholly inhumane conditions” faced by many, especially women and children.

While Sweden halted funding to the UNRWA in December 2024, following allegations of the organization providing cover for Hamas, the country remains a major humanitarian donor to Gaza. Swedish International Development Minister Benjamin Dousa confirmed that Stockholm is now channeling aid through other UN organizations and is the fifth-largest donor globally and the second-largest in the EU for humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Sweden has provided over 1 billion kronor ($105 million) in humanitarian aid to Gaza since the conflict began in October 2023 and has earmarked 800 million kronor for Gaza in 2025. This continued commitment underscores Sweden’s concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its determination to provide assistance despite the challenges.

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