At least 25 Palestinians were killed Saturday by Israeli airstrikes and shootings across Gaza, according to local hospitals, as the world confronted a rare declaration that famine is gripping Gaza City.
Health officials said 14 people, mostly women and children, died when strikes hit tents sheltering displaced families in Khan Younis. In northern Gaza, five people were shot dead near the Zikim crossing while seeking food aid, while six others were killed in separate attacks.
The violence came a day after the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed famine in Gaza City, warning it could spread without a ceasefire and unrestricted aid. Nearly half a million people across Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger.
Israel rejected the famine declaration as “an outright lie,” saying it has allowed sufficient aid into the enclave. However, the UN and aid groups report severe shortages, chaos around convoys, and deadly incidents involving aid-seekers.
The military is preparing a full offensive on Gaza City, which Israel says remains a Hamas stronghold. Aid groups warn the assault will worsen hunger and displacement, while ceasefire talks remain stalled as mediators await Israel’s response to a new proposal.
Health officials said 14 people, mostly women and children, died when strikes hit tents sheltering displaced families in Khan Younis. In northern Gaza, five people were shot dead near the Zikim crossing while seeking food aid, while six others were killed in separate attacks.
The violence came a day after the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed famine in Gaza City, warning it could spread without a ceasefire and unrestricted aid. Nearly half a million people across Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger.
Israel rejected the famine declaration as “an outright lie,” saying it has allowed sufficient aid into the enclave. However, the UN and aid groups report severe shortages, chaos around convoys, and deadly incidents involving aid-seekers.
The military is preparing a full offensive on Gaza City, which Israel says remains a Hamas stronghold. Aid groups warn the assault will worsen hunger and displacement, while ceasefire talks remain stalled as mediators await Israel’s response to a new proposal.
