Gaza Deaths Climb Amid Aid Crisis

Malnutrition Claims Surge as Famine Fears Intensify

Seven more individuals have succumbed to malnutrition in the Gaza Strip within the last 24 hours, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. This brings the grim toll of malnutrition-related deaths since the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023 to 154, with 89 of those fatalities being children.

Famine “Playing Out” in Gaza, Experts Warn

Global food security specialists, backed by the UN, issued a stark warning on Tuesday: the most severe famine scenario is “currently playing out” in Gaza. These declarations directly challenge Israel’s assertion that it is not impeding aid into the territory, a claim disputed by European allies, the UN, and various humanitarian organizations operating on the ground.

Amid the deepening crisis, US special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit Israel on Thursday. His trip marks his first to the country in nearly three months and follows the recent withdrawal of US and Israeli delegations from Gaza ceasefire negotiations in Qatar. Washington had cited a lack of good faith from Hamas negotiators.

Deadly Incidents Near Aid Distribution Points

In a separate development, Gaza hospital sources reported that six Palestinians were killed near a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution center in Rafah on Wednesday morning. Sources indicated that a crowd attempted to access the center before its opening and was subsequently targeted by an Israeli tank. The GHF, however, stated that no fatalities occurred at or near its facilities that day.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) informed the BBC that troops issued warnings to a “gathering of suspects” perceived as a threat. The military stated it fired “warning shots” from a considerable distance. An initial IDF review, they added, suggests that reported casualty figures do not align with their information.

These reports follow almost daily incidents near GHF aid sites, where Palestinians frequently accuse Israeli forces or contractors of firing upon them. The IDF consistently disputes the reported death tolls.

Later on Wednesday, the Hamas-run health ministry reported 103 deaths in the preceding 24 hours, including one recovered body. The ministry’s statement specified that 60 of these individuals died while seeking aid.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) also reported that two hospitals received six bodies following an incident involving individuals awaiting humanitarian aid in the Zikim area. The PRCS noted that 274 injured were being treated from the same event.

Aid Inflow Plagued by Looting and Shortages

Sources revealed to the BBC that only 109 aid trucks entered Gaza on Tuesday, with nearly all of them being looted after crossing the border. Scenes of desperate crowds overwhelming vehicles carrying essential supplies like flour have become a common occurrence.

The UN estimates that at least 600 aid trucks are required daily to begin addressing Gaza’s critical needs. Israel imposed a comprehensive blockade on aid deliveries in early March, resuming its military offensive shortly after, which ended a two-month ceasefire. The stated aim was to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages.

Despite a partial easing of the blockade after nearly two months, following widespread famine warnings, shortages of food, medicine, and fuel have intensified. Israel’s military campaign was launched in retaliation for the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Hamas-run health authorities state that 60,138 individuals have been killed in the Israeli offensive.

UK’s Recognition Pledge Sparks Israeli Fury

In a separate development, Israel expressed strong criticism of British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer‘s pledge to recognize a Palestinian state in September, contingent on specific conditions including a ceasefire and progress towards a two-state solution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the UK’s stance as rewarding “Hamas’ monstrous terrorism.”

Emily Damari, a British-Israeli woman previously held hostage by Hamas, stated that Sir Keir is “not standing on the right side of history.” Having been released after over 15 months in captivity, she warned that the Prime Minister “risks rewarding terror.”