At Least 25 Palestinians Killed Amid Famine Declaration in Gaza

URGENT UPDATE: At least 25 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza amid escalating violence, just one day after a famine was officially declared in the region. The latest Israeli airstrikes targeted tents housing displaced individuals seeking aid, particularly in Khan Younis, where hundreds of thousands have sought refuge.

The situation is dire. Early today, Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people in southern Gaza, according to health officials at Nasser Hospital. Tragically, more than half of those killed were women or children. Meanwhile, in northern Gaza, Israeli gunfire claimed the lives of at least five aid-seekers near the Zikim crossing, a critical point for humanitarian convoys entering Gaza.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed yesterday that parts of Gaza are experiencing a human-made famine, warning that the crisis could worsen if Israel’s military actions and restrictions on humanitarian aid persist. Nearly 500,000 people, about a quarter of Gaza’s population, are facing catastrophic hunger, putting countless lives at risk.

Aid organizations like Doctors Without Borders (MSF) have reported a surge in patients fleeing recent bombardments. “Strikes are forcing people, including MSF staff, to flee their homes once again,” the organization stated, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian relief.

The Norwegian Refugee Council has condemned the expanding military offensive in Gaza City, stating that it exacerbates the famine and leads to mass civilian deaths.

“Engineered scarcity has created a man-made famine. The people of Gaza are not only being bombed and displaced, but they are also being starved,”

said Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council. He emphasized that Israel must allow humanitarian aid to reach the civilians suffering under occupation.

Egeland further urged global leaders to act decisively, stating,

“There will be a damning historical verdict on global leaders who confine themselves to express ‘concern’ as civilians in Gaza are bombarded, displaced, and starved.”

He called for an immediate ceasefire to halt the violence and facilitate a major humanitarian response necessary to save lives.

As the situation continues to develop, the world watches closely. International pressure mounts for an urgent resolution to this humanitarian crisis, as families in Gaza face the dual threat of bombardment and starvation. The need for action has never been more critical.