Josep Borrel speaks to media at a press conference. File

The European Union (EU) on Wednesday condemned statements by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in which he deplored aid for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and described starvation as "morally justified."

"Deliberate starvation of civilians is a war crime," EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said in a statement.

"Minister Smotrich saying that 'it might be justified and moral' to let Israel 'cause 2 million civilians to die of hunger' until the 'hostages are returned' is beyond ignominious," Borrell continued.

He added, "It demonstrates, once again, his contempt for international law and for basic principles of humanity."

The EU's top diplomat called on the Israeli government to "unequivocally distance itself from the words of Minister Smotrich, as well as to establish transparency on the reported acts of torture in the Sde Teiman prison."

WAM