Gaza Aid Crisis Worsens as Israel Designates City a Combat Zone

Israel will soon halt humanitarian aid into northern Gaza. An official confirmed the move on Saturday. This follows Israel’s declaration of Gaza City as an active combat zone.

The decision is part of an expanding military offensive against Hamas. It will drastically reduce vital supplies to a population already facing famine. According to the Associated Press, airdrops will stop and truck entries will be reduced.

Humanitarian Catastrophe Deepens in Northern Enclave

The United Nations states Gaza needs 600 aid trucks daily. Recent measures like airdrops fell far short of this requirement. This new aid restriction threatens to deepen an already severe crisis.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 330 Palestinians have died from malnutrition. This includes 124 children. Ten more people died from starvation in the last day alone.

Witnesses describe an unlivable environment. People are fleeing with their belongings through shattered neighborhoods. The landscape offers little safety or shelter for displaced families.

Mass Evacuation Orders Spark International Concern

Israel’s military plans to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people south. Aid organizations warn this will trigger a disastrous population movement. No area in Gaza can absorb such a large number of people.

Mirjana Spoljaric of the International Committee of the Red Cross issued a statement. She said widespread destruction and extreme shortages make a safe evacuation impossible. The move risks creating a new wave of humanitarian suffering.

The official who spoke to the AP requested anonymity. They were not authorized to brief the media on the sensitive plans. The Israeli army did not immediately provide further comment.

The escalating Gaza aid crisis now faces a dangerous new phase. Civilian lives hang in the balance as military operations intensify. The international community watches with growing alarm.

Info at your fingertips

Why did Israel declare Gaza City a combat zone?

Israel declared it a combat zone due to ongoing military operations against Hamas. The army alleges the group still operates a tunnel network there.

How many people have died from malnutrition in Gaza?

Gaza’s Health Ministry reports at least 332 Palestinians have died from malnutrition-related causes. They state that 124 of them were children.

What is the current status of the hostages taken on October 7th?

Israel has confirmed 48 hostages remain in Gaza. The government believes only about 20 of those individuals are still alive.

How much aid does Gaza need daily?

The United Nations and its partner agencies report that Gaza requires a minimum of 600 aid trucks every single day. Recent measures have provided a fraction of that amount.

What is the total Palestinian death toll in the war?

Gaza’s Health Ministry reports at least 63,371 Palestinian deaths. The ministry does not distinguish between fighters and civilians but notes many are women and children.

Sources: The Associated Press, Reuters, Gaza Health Ministry, United Nations, International Committee of the Red Cross.