On Tuesday, Israeli fire killed at least 31 Palestinians in Gaza, including 14 who perished when strikes hit tents sheltering displaced families in Al Shati refugee camp, and seven others waiting at aid centres. The toll of starvation rose as a child from Khan Younis died, pushing malnutrition-related deaths to 23. Israel’s blockade has intensified the hunger crisis, with UN agencies such as WHO and UNOPS reporting attacks on their staff and facilities. Despite aid supplies amassed just beyond Gaza’s borders, they remain blocked, leaving desperate calls for help unanswered.

The head of the UN Palestinian Refugee Agency revealed that aid workers and medical staff are collapsing on duty from hunger and exhaustion. AFP’s journalists’ association warned that its remaining reporters inside Gaza face imminent death from starvation.

Diplomatically, the UK Foreign Secretary said Britain does not impose a “blanket arms embargo” on Israel, despite signing a joint letter with 28 countries demanding an end to the conflict. While direct arms sales to Israel are banned, exceptions exist via the global supply chain for F-35 fighter jets.

International pressure mounted on Monday as over two dozen countries, including the UK, France, Australia, Canada, and the EU, condemned the “inhumane killing of civilians” and the meagre flow of aid. Their joint statement called for an immediate halt to hostilities, underscoring Israel’s increasing diplomatic isolation.

On the ground, Israeli tanks moved into Deir el-Balah for the first time since the October assault began. The military launched a ground offensive targeting southern and eastern parts of the city, which is crowded with displaced Palestinians, after issuing a forced displacement order that sent thousands fleeing west towards the Mediterranean coast and south to Khan Younis.

Voices within Israel’s left-wing media warn of grim intentions. Haaretz columnist Gideon Levy claimed Israel is planning the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza, with preparations for what he described as the “first Israeli concentration camp” underway. Meanwhile, Hamas accused Israel of “blackmail through massacres” aimed at forcing through previously unattainable demands.

As Gaza’s devastation deepens, the territory faces a relentless military campaign compounded by a blockade that stifles aid and hope alike. The humanitarian catastrophe grows ever more dire.

Al Jazeera