GAZA, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Ministry of National Economy on Saturday issued an urgent appeal to the United Nations and international community, calling for pressure on the Israeli government to immediately stop using starvation and deprivation as tools of war against the Gaza Strip.

"We remind the entire world that Israel is refusing to allow the entry of basic health and humanitarian needs, especially water, electricity, and food, to the population in the Gaza Strip," the statement said.

It added, "This day comes at a time of exceptional circumstances that require the international community, with its various bodies, to uphold international laws that guarantee citizens' right to their basic needs and rights, especially during times of war."

In a statement released on Friday, the Hamas-run Gaza government media office warned of the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the resurgence of famine due to Israel's continued closure of the crossings into the Strip for the 13th consecutive day.

Since March 2, following the expiration of the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, Israel has blocked aid shipments, including food, from entering Gaza. Enditem

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