**Desperate Situation in Gaza: Starvation and Humanitarian Crisis Deepens**
A dire humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Gaza, with widespread starvation and malnutrition affecting thousands of people. The situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in a severe shortage of food, water, and medical supplies.
**Trump Weighs In: “Real” Starvation Exists**
US President Donald Trump recently expressed his concern about the situation in Gaza, stating that there is “real” starvation taking place. He also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for denying the existence of starvation, calling it a “bold face lie.” This comes as the UN’s chief humanitarian officer, Tom Fletcher, warned that vast quantities of food are needed to prevent further starvation.
**Israel’s Response: Tactical Pauses and Airdrops**
In response to international pressure, Israel has announced tactical pauses in three areas of Gaza, allowing for the delivery of aid through airdrops and military pauses. However, humanitarian agencies have expressed concern that this method is ineffective and dangerous, with many aid convoys being looted by desperate civilians.
**UN Agencies Struggle to Collect Aid**
Tom Fletcher emphasized that the UN has only collected less than 100 lorry-loads of aid in the same time period, despite Israel’s claims that hundreds more are waiting collection. He also warned that the Israeli military would only pause for a week, which is “clearly inadequate” given the scale of the crisis.
**Netanyahu Denies Starvation Claims**
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied allegations of deliberate starvation, calling them a “boldfaced lie.” He claimed that Hamas is responsible for obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid and accused the UN of not doing enough to collect aid at crossings. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has condemned the “deliberate blockade and delay of large-scale humanitarian, food, and health aid.”
**Humanitarian Crisis Deepens**
The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with reports of widespread malnutrition and starvation affecting thousands of people. The WHO warned that the crisis is “entirely avoidable” and that most deaths due to malnutrition are a result of severe waste. Local hospital sources also reported that Israeli attacks on Gaza killed over 30 people, including aid workers.
**Aid Workers Risk Lives to Deliver Aid**
Humanitarian agencies are risking lives to deliver aid to the besieged territory. Tom Fletcher warned that UN teams on ground believed that the Israeli military would only pause for a week, which is “clearly inadequate” given the scale of the crisis. He emphasized the need for large-scale humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gaza.
**International Pressure Mounts**
The international community is increasing pressure on Israel and Hamas to resolve the conflict and allow for the delivery of aid. The US, European nations, and aid organizations are working together to ensure that “large amounts” of humanitarian aid flow into Gaza. However, the situation remains dire, with thousands of people at risk of starvation and malnutrition.
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