UN warns of impending famine as Israel carries out raid on Gaza hospital

Israeli forces launched a raid on the Gaza Strip’s largest hospital, claiming Hamas militants had regrouped there and fired on them from inside where thousands of people were seeking shelter. The UN warned of imminent famine in northern Gaza, where over 200,000 people are facing catastrophic hunger. The army accused Hamas of using hospitals to shield fighters, leading to several hospital raids during the ongoing conflict that has resulted in many casualties. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that more than 31,000 Palestinians have been killed, with women and children making up a majority of the casualties. Despite international efforts to broker a cease-fire, the conflict between Hamas and Israel persists.

The situation in northern Gaza, particularly in Gaza City, has led to widespread destruction and a humanitarian catastrophe. Many residents are surviving on animal feed, with reports of malnutrition and dehydration, resulting in deaths, especially among children. The US and other nations have been conducting airdrops and sea deliveries of aid, but aid groups stress the urgency of Israel opening more ground routes to meet the increasing humanitarian needs. EU officials condemned the use of starvation as a weapon of war and called on Israel to open additional border crossings for aid distribution.

The EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, criticized Israel for hindering the international aid effort by not facilitating aid distribution efficiently. He emphasized the urgency of opening additional border crossings to prevent further deaths due to starvation. Aid groups, including Oxfam, highlighted the challenges they face in delivering essential goods to Gaza, citing a dysfunctional inspection system that causes delays and rejections of crucial supplies. Despite claims by Israeli authorities that they do not limit aid entry, aid groups argue that the distribution is hindered by ongoing hostilities and logistical challenges.

The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel has led to a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with thousands facing starvation and limited access to medical care. The Gaza Health Ministry has reported a high number of casualties, with a majority being civilians, including women and children. International efforts to broker a cease-fire and facilitate aid deliveries have faced challenges, with Israel accused of hindering the distribution of essential supplies. The situation in Gaza remains critical, with urgent action needed to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of the population trapped in the conflict zone.