A six-year-old Palestinian boy and a 30-year-old man succumbed to malnutrition in southern Gaza’s Nasser Hospital, highlighting a deepening humanitarian crisis as hunger-related fatalities have escalated amidst ongoing Israeli bombardments. The tragic deaths of Wissam Abu Mohsen and young Jamal Fadi al-Najjar mark a grim milestone, as Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that five additional individuals lost their lives to famine within a single day. This brings the total number of starvation-related deaths since the commencement of the current conflict to 227, including over 100 children.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has urgently called on Israeli authorities to permit the storage of medical supplies in Gaza, signaling an escalating international alarm over the humanitarian situation. Amidst military plans for the seizure of Gaza City, WHO representative Rik Peeperkorn stated that the pace of humanitarian aid coming into the region is insufficient to meet the critical needs of the population.
In a poignant expression of concern, foreign ministers from countries including Britain, Canada, Australia, and Japan, along with 23 European allies, contended that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached “unimaginable levels.” They collectively urged Israel to authorize the entry of international NGO aid shipments and to facilitate the operations of essential humanitarian actors, recognizing the immediate need to halt and reverse starvation in the region.
Reports indicate that since dawn on Tuesday, at least 67 Palestinians have been killed, exacerbating the escalating toll of casualties. Despite being designated as “safe zones,” Israel has targeted multiple areas, leading to fatalities among families seeking refuge, including a family of five who were killed in their makeshift shelter.
It has also been reported that Israel is obstructing the entry of over 430 vital food items into Gaza, further aggravating the humanitarian crisis. The list of prohibited items includes essential goods such as frozen meat, dairy products, and fruits, which are crucial for the survival of the population experiencing dire conditions.
While Israel faces condemnation for its military actions and plans to seize Gaza City, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry has highlighted the inaction of the international community in addressing this humanitarian catastrophe. They called upon global powers to uphold their moral, legal, and political responsibilities to protect the rights of the Palestinian people.
As Gaza’s Health Ministry reported devastating statistics, with 61,599 Palestinians killed and over 154,088 wounded since October 7, the situation remains critical. The ongoing conflict poses a stark reminder of the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and global action to provide support for the affected populations.
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