Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that 13 more people, including three children, died from starvation and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of hunger-related deaths to 361 since the war began. At least 130 of the victims were children. Aid agencies warn that famine is spreading rapidly across the enclave, where lifesaving supplies remain blocked at the borders.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said Israel’s decision to stop all humanitarian and commercial deliveries to Gaza on March 2 has left food, medicine, and hygiene supplies stockpiled outside the Strip. It urged Israel to lift the siege, stressing that without large-scale aid, the famine already documented in Gaza City will extend to other areas.
Even as starvation worsened, Israeli strikes continued to pound the enclave. Medical sources told Al Jazeera that at least 78 Palestinians have been killed since dawn, including 42 in Gaza City. Overall, Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 63,633 people and wounded 160,914, according to Gaza authorities. By comparison, 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attacks, and about 200 were taken captive.
The crisis has also engulfed those waiting for assistance. A source at Hamad Hospital said at least 66 people were wounded and one killed by Israeli fire while seeking aid in the northern Strip.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s Government Media Office confirmed the killing of journalist Rasmi Salem, a photojournalist for Al-Manara, bringing the number of media workers killed since October 7, 2023, to 248. International watchdogs have described Gaza as the deadliest conflict ever recorded for journalists.
Amid mounting civilian suffering, Belgium announced it will recognise the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot also said sanctions would be imposed on Israel, making Belgium one of the first European countries to take such a step.
Inside Gaza City, where nearly one million displaced people were sheltering, Palestinians continue to flee advancing Israeli forces, though humanitarian agencies warn there is no safe place left in the territory.
