Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Aug 24: Israel has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying its military offensive in Gaza City despite mounting international condemnation and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would continue their operations with "full force" until Hamas is dismantled, all hostages are freed, and Israel’s security demands are met.
The IDF confirmed expanded operations in the Jabaliya region of northern Gaza, targeting underground infrastructure and attempting to prevent Hamas from regrouping. Ground troops and airstrikes have continued to pound the city, with Israeli officials insisting that military pressure will persist.
Amid escalating violence, Gaza’s health authorities reported eight more deaths due to starvation in the past 24 hours, including one child. The total death toll attributed to famine since March now stands at 281, of whom 114 were children. Since the war began in October 2023, more than 62,000 Palestinians have reportedly died due to Israeli airstrikes and armed conflict, according to Gaza's health authorities.
On the humanitarian front, the United Nations has officially confirmed a famine is underway in Gaza. UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher called the situation "a moment of collective shame" and urged an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded aid access. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warned that the famine is expected to worsen and spread to cities like Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis in the coming weeks.
In a strongly worded plea, Fletcher called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to open crossings in both the north and south of Gaza to allow for massive humanitarian relief. “This is a famine we could have prevented, if we had been allowed,” he said, urging the global community to respond with urgency.
As the conflict rages on, international pressure is building on Israel to scale back its military campaign and address the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.