Israel Strikes Gaza Amid Famine Warnings and International Condemnation

Israel Bombards Gaza City as Famine Concerns Intensify

Gaza City is experiencing intense air attacks, according to the territory's Hamas-run civil defence agency, coinciding with Israeli forces preparing to occupy the city. Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman, reported significant destruction to civilian homes in the Zeitoun and Sabra residential areas due to ongoing bombings and drone strikes, hindering the recovery of the dead and injured.

International Community Demands Action

The UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and Japan have issued a joint statement emphasizing that "famine is unfolding in front of our eyes" and urging immediate action to "reverse starvation." They are calling for "immediate, permanent and concrete steps" to facilitate the entry of aid to Gaza.

Conflicting Accounts on Humanitarian Situation

Israel denies the presence of starvation in Gaza, accusing UN agencies of failing to collect and distribute aid at the borders. The joint statement also condemns the use of lethal force near aid distribution sites and lorry convoys, where the UN reports that over 1,300 Palestinians have been killed, primarily by the Israeli military.

WHO Appeals for Medical Supplies

Separately, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has appealed to Israel to allow the stocking of medical supplies to address a "catastrophic" health situation before Israel seizes control of Gaza City. Rik Peeperkorn, the agency's representative in the Palestinian territories, stated that the current pace of aid delivery is insufficient.

Military Developments

Israel's war cabinet has voted to occupy Gaza City, a decision condemned at an emergency UN Security Council meeting. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it is "at the beginning of a new state of combat." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined a three-step plan to increase aid, including designating safe corridors and increasing air drops.

Civilian Accounts and Casualties

Residents of Gaza City report unrelenting attacks from the air. Majed al-Hosary, a resident of Zeitoun, described the attacks as "extremely intense." The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that 100 dead have been brought to hospitals in the past 24 hours, including 31 killed at aid sites, and five additional deaths from malnutrition.

Accusations of Genocide

An international group of former leaders, known as "The Elders," has for the first time called the war in Gaza an "unfolding genocide," blaming Israel for causing famine among the population.

Al Jazeera Journalists Killed

The IDF killed five Al Jazeera journalists in a targeted attack on a media tent in Gaza City, sparking widespread international condemnation. Israel alleged that one of the journalists served as the head of a terrorist cell in Hamas, but media freedom groups have questioned the evidence provided.

Background

Hamas killed more than 1,200 people and took 251 hostage in its attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. Israel's response in Gaza has killed at least 61,599 Palestinians, according to the health ministry, whose toll the UN considers reliable.