Israeli tanks rolled into new areas near Gaza City overnight, sparking fresh evacuations as the UN Security Council sounded alarms over a worsening famine. Witnesses described destroyed homes and families fleeing with whatever they could carry. This comes as Israel prepares what it calls a 'final push' against Hamas in the city – home to 1 million displaced Palestinians.
War’s Toll: 62,000+ Dead, Hunger as a Weapon?
Gaza health authorities report over 62,000 Palestinian deaths since October, with 313 now dead from starvation – including 119 children. The UNSC unanimously (except the U.S.) condemned the crisis as 'manmade,' stressing that using starvation as warfare violates international law. Israel disputes these figures, calling recent hunger reports 'biased.'
Humanitarian Lifelines
Jordan evacuated 19 critically ill children from Gaza this week – the 10th such group since November. Meanwhile, the IPC hunger monitor warns 641,000 Gazans could face famine-level hunger by September. Israel has demanded the report be retracted, claiming it ignores recent aid increases.
What’s Next?
With tanks pulling back to Jabalia after brief advances, analysts predict a prolonged urban battle. The UNSC continues pushing for a ceasefire and hostage releases, but diplomatic gaps remain. As one resident told Reuters: 'We’re choosing between bombs and starvation – there’s no third option.'
