**Gaza on Brink of Famine as Malnutrition Deaths Rise**
The health ministry in Palestine has confirmed that seven more people have died from malnutrition in Gaza over the past 24 hours. This brings the total number of deaths related to malnutrition since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023 to 154, including 89 children.
**Famine Looms Large**
UN-backed food security experts have warned that the worst-case scenario – famine – is “currently playing itself out” in Gaza. The shortage of aid and essential supplies has led to a desperate situation, with people struggling to access even basic necessities like food and medicine.
**Aid Delays and Blockages**
Despite claims from Israel that it does not restrict aid entering Gaza, international agencies operating in the region dispute this claim. In recent days, only 109 lorries carrying aid entered Gaza, which was looted as soon as they crossed the border, leaving almost none of them to reach their destination.
**Deadly Incidents Near Aid Distribution Centers**
In a separate incident, six Palestinians were killed on Wednesday morning near an aid distribution center in Rafah, southern Gaza. The Israeli military claimed that it fired warning shots at a gathering of suspects who posed a danger to its troops, but eyewitnesses and hospital sources dispute this account.
**UN Estimates 600 Aid Trucks Needed Daily**
The UN estimates that 600 aid trucks are needed daily to begin addressing the crisis in Gaza. However, despite warnings from experts around the world of an impending famine, Israel has continued to block or delay aid deliveries, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
**Escalating Conflict**
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to a devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza, with reports of shortages of fuel, food, and medicine worsening despite the partial lifting of the blockade. The Israeli military campaign against Hamas has resulted in over 60,000 deaths, according to Hamas’ health authorities.
**International Response**
In response to the crisis, US special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Israel on Thursday to discuss the situation. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s promise to recognize a Palestinian State has been met with anger from Israeli leaders, who accuse him of rewarding “Hamas monstrous terrorism”.
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