Gaza: The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has issued a stark warning over the worsening hunger crisis in besieged Gaza, describing it as a "man-made disaster" resulting from Israel's ongoing aid blockade that is causing deadly malnutrition among children.
According to TRTworld.com, UNICEF reported on X that hunger is rampant in Gaza, with the population suffering severe consequences under the Israeli siege. The agency highlighted that malnutrition among children has reached catastrophic levels, with food becoming dangerously scarce and clean water availability falling below emergency thresholds.
The warning from UNICEF comes amid continued Israeli attacks across the blockaded enclave, with no signs of easing. The dire famine situation has claimed at least 18 lives in the past 24 hours, underscoring the escalating humanitarian crisis as continuous bombardment and deprivation threaten the lives of civilians.
Reports indicate that Israel's actions have resulted in the deaths of over 59,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, within the enclave. Palestine's official WAFA news agency estimates that around 11,000 individuals could be trapped under the rubble of destroyed homes. Experts caution that the actual death toll might be significantly higher, possibly around 200,000.
Throughout this period, Israel has devastated most of the enclave, displacing nearly the entire population. The blockade has obstructed crucial humanitarian aid, with only a controversial US-backed aid group gaining entry. This group, criticized for attempting to circumvent UN efforts, has been labeled a "death trap" by detractors.