Gaza – The Health Ministry in Gaza reported on Sunday that the number of children who have died from malnutrition has risen to 100, contributing to an overall famine death toll of at least 217 in the region, reports 24brussels.
In the last 24 hours alone, five deaths were attributed to malnutrition, including two children. The Israeli government has denied the existence of famine in Gaza, claiming it has allowed a “gradual and controlled” entry of humanitarian aid into the area.
The international community has condemned Israel’s actions, urging for unrestricted delivery of aid to the Palestinian population amidst this humanitarian crisis.
UN Meeting to Address Gaza City Control
In response to escalating tensions, the UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting to discuss Israel’s planned takeover of Gaza City today. The meeting, convened by Denmark, France, Greece, the United Kingdom, and Slovenia, will take place at 3 p.m. New York time. All UNSC members, except the United States, supported the call for this urgent session. UN rapporteurs are anticipated to discuss the implications of the planned military control of Gaza’s principal city.
This emergency session follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet approval of a strategy to establish military dominance over Gaza City while ongoing hostilities persist.
Israeli Military Objectives in Gaza City
Israel’s operation aims to achieve total occupation of Gaza City, which is densely populated with nearly a million residents, forcing many to evacuate from northern enclaves to southern regions of Gaza. This military action unfolds amidst a wider humanitarian emergency characterized by continuous bombings and displacement.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has asserted that the ultimate goal of this campaign is to transition control over Gaza City to “Arab forces,” though details regarding these forces and their timeline for takeover remain unclear.
Israeli officials reject claims of intentionally starving the residents of Gaza, asserting that Hamas, which has been blamed for the October 7, 2023, attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 251 hostages, could alleviate the crisis by surrendering. Reports indicate that Israel’s military operations have led to over 60,000 Palestinian deaths.
