Israeli forces make details of hostages in Gaza public, UN fears widespread starvation amid war

The United Nations (UN) said it was forced to halt deliveries of food and other essential goods to Gaza after fuel shortages collapsed internet and telephone services in the enclave. The United Nations has also warned of a growing risk of mass starvation amid the escalating war between Israel and Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel agreed to allow two tanker trucks of fuel for the UN and telecommunications systems, although it said the amount would be half the amount needed for life-saving operations for civilians in Gaza. Palestinian telecommunications company Paltel said services were partially restored after fuel was found to restart generators.

Israeli forces have captured Gaza’s largest hospital, Al Shifa Hospital, and claim the location houses a key Hamas command center, with an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman saying they have information about underground infrastructure and hostages. Information has been received in. The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) said that civilians faced the possibility of immediate starvation due to lack of food supplies. Local news agency WAFA said about 26 Palestinians were killed in a recent Israeli airstrike in the town of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

Calling for renewed calls for a humanitarian pause, UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said in an address to the UN General Assembly, “Say what you want, but from a humanitarian perspective the need is simple. Stop fighting to allow civilians to move about safely. He said that we are not asking for the moon. Pope Francis is expected to meet separately next week with relatives of Jewish hostages held by Hamas militants and a Palestinian delegation that includes some from Gaza, Reuters reported, citing sources. Prosecutor Karim Kahan told Reuters that five countries – South Africa, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros and Djibouti – have requested the International Criminal Court to investigate the situation in the Palestinian territories. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), citing Palestinian figures, said Israeli attacks have destroyed or damaged at least 45% of Gaza’s housing units.