**Israeli Fire Kills Dozens in Gaza, UN Warns of Hunger Crisis**
In a devastating incident on Wednesday, Israeli gunfire killed at least 30 Palestinians waiting for humanitarian assistance in northern Gaza. According to the Hamas’ civil defense agency, another 300 people were injured in the same incident. The Israeli Defense Forces claimed that they fired “warning shots” after Gazans gathered near aid trucks, but denied any responsibility for the casualties.
The hospital in Gaza received 35 corpses following the incident, while the Associated Press reported that at least 48 Palestinians had been killed. This tragic event highlights the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where thousands of people are struggling to access basic necessities like food and water.
**Humanitarian Crisis Deepens**
The UN Human Rights Office has warned that over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers while trying to get food aid since late May. The Hamas-run health ministry reports that more than 150 people, including 89 children, have died from malnutrition since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in 2023.
The situation is becoming increasingly dire, with a group of UN-backed food security experts warning that “the worst-case scenario of hunger is currently playing out” on the Gaza Strip. Despite Israel’s claims that it does not restrict aid entering Gaza, several European nations and the UN have rejected this claim.
**International Pressure Grows**
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged Israel to allow a steady flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, stating that “the trickle must turn into an ocean.” This call for action comes as Canada, France, and the UK have announced their intention to recognize a Palestinian State at the UN General Assembly this September.
The visit of US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to Israel on Thursday is seen as a critical moment in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The international community is demanding that Israel take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
**Background to the Conflict**
Israel launched its military operation in Gaza in response to a Hamas attack on southern Israel, which killed over 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Since October 2023, more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, including 18,592 children and 9,782 females.
The conflict has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with thousands of people struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. The international community must come together to demand that Israel take immediate action to address this crisis and allow a steady flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
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