Yotam Ottolenghi: ‘Food should never be a tool in war’

Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi has called for the war in Gaza to end and for “unimpeded access to food and aid for all civilians”.

In an Instagram post to his 2.7 million followers, the chef, who was born to Jewish parents in Jerusalem, said he was “heartbroken” by the situation in Gaza.

“The use of food, or withholding it, as a tool in conflict is something I cannot stay quiet about,” he wrote.

“No person, no child, should go hungry as a result of war.

“The blockade and recent attacks and the devastating consequences they are having on daily life – on access to food, water, and basic dignity – are unconscionable,” he added.

Some were frustrated that the chef’s social media post did not include a reference to the Israeli hostages still being held captive in Gaza, however.

In reaction to the statement, pro-Israel campaigners stuck a poster calling for the immediate release of the hostages on a tree outside Ottolenghi’s Hampstead restaurant on Rosslyn Hill last night, the JC understands.

A poster calling for the release of the hostages in Gaza was reportedly placed outside the chef's restaurant in Hampstead in reaction to his Instagram post[Missing Credit]

On Monday, the UK issued a joint statement with France and Canada opposing the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and threatening "concrete actions” if Israel “does not lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid”. 

It followed an announcement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday that the country would allow “minimal” and “basic" aid into Gaza to prevent hunger and famine. 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer criticised the move as "utterly inadequate" on Tuesday and said the level of suffering in Gaza, particularly among children, was "intolerable".

Five aid trucks entered the Strip at the beginning of this week for the first time since March 1, when Israel halted assistance to pressure Hamas to release the dozens of hostages it is holding.

Israel denies that Gaza is facing a hunger crisis and has said the blockade is intended to prevent Hamas operatives from seizing aid supplies. 

Ottolenghi emphasised to his followers that that he has “deep ties” to the region with family in Israel, and “a profound belief in the humanity of all people, Palestinians and Israelis alike”.

“This isn’t about sides. It’s about lives. And the right of every human being to eat, to survive, to live without fear,” he added.

"I stand with those calling for an immediate stop to the fighting and for unimpeded access to food and aid for all civilians.” 

He concluded his message with the statement that “food should never be a tool of war”, but a bridge.