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Humanitarian aid

Gaza Famine Deepens as Death Toll Rises Amid Escalating Conflict

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Crowds of desperate people gather at the Zikim crossing with Israel, waiting for humanitarian aid to enter the besieged strip, but the situation takes a devastating turn as Israeli soldiers open fire, killing at least 69 people and wounding dozens more. The international community has condemned Israel's actions, with over a dozen countries calling for recognition of the Palestinian state and taking steps to express their dismay. Amid the escalating conflict, the US envoy, Steve Witkoff, visits Israel for ceasefire discussions, while the UN warns that the key to stopping the looting of aid is to reassure the population that a constant, adequate supply will enter Gaza.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 69 people have been killed and dozens more wounded in Gaza over the last 24 hours while waiting for aid.
  • 19 people seeking aid were killed by Israeli soldiers while outside aid distribution points in central Gaza Strip and in Rafah in south Gaza.
  • Seven children died of hunger on Wednesday, bringing the total number of malnutrition deaths to 154, according to the Gaza health authority.
  • Over 1,000 people have been shot while trying to get aid from the private US Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and while waiting for aid trucks by border crossings.
  • The UN has said the key to stopping the looting of aid is to reassure the population that a constant, adequate supply will enter Gaza.
  • Israel controls aid crossings into Gaza and has been accused of creating the hunger crisis through its blockades of humanitarian supplies.
  • The US envoy, Steve Witkoff, visited Israel for ceasefire discussions, while the UN warns that the situation in Gaza is a "dire humanitarian crisis".
  • The US president, Donald Trump, called on Hamas to surrender and release the remaining Israeli hostages, while Israel has condemned the international censure of its actions in Gaza.
  • More than a dozen countries have condemned Israel for its conduct in Gaza, with several countries moving towards recognising the Palestinian state.
  • The EU Commission proposed a partial suspension of Israel from its most prestigious science research programme over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Statistics:

  • 69 people killed in Gaza over the last 24 hours while waiting for aid.
  • 154 children dead from malnutrition in Gaza according to the Gaza health authority.
  • 1,000+ people shot while trying to get aid from the GHF and while waiting for aid trucks.
  • 60,000+ people killed in Gaza during Israel's military operation.
  • 1,200+ people killed in Israel on 7 October 2023 from Hamas-led attacks.
  • 20+ Israeli hostages believed to be alive in Hamas custody.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • Al-Saraya field hospital
  • The Gaza health authority
  • The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha)
  • Israeli media (Kan)
  • The US president's Truth Social post
  • The Canadian prime minister's statement
  • The German foreign minister's statement
  • The EU Commission proposal

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