In a dire warning, a senior UN aid official has stated that half of Gaza's population is on the brink of starvation as the fighting in the region shows no signs of abating. The ongoing conflict has made it nearly impossible to deliver essential supplies to the beleaguered population, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis.

The latest updates suggest that Israel insists on continuing air strikes on Gaza, citing the need to eliminate Hamas and bring Israeli hostages home. Lt Col Richard Hecht, spokesperson for the Israel Defence Forces, expressed the painful reality of civilian casualties while emphasizing the necessity of these actions.

Since October 7th, when Hamas fighters breached Israel's heavily-guarded perimeter fence, the movement of goods and people in and out of Gaza has been severely restricted. As a result, aid deliveries that were crucial for the survival of Gazans have been severely limited.

The critical situation was highlighted by the Hamas-run health ministry, which reported that Israel's retaliatory campaign has claimed the lives of more than 17,700 Gazans, including over 7,000 children. With limited options for aid, only the Rafah crossing, bordering Egypt, has remained open, allowing minimal quantities of aid to reach the Gaza Strip.

This week, however, some relief may be in sight as Israel has agreed to open the Kerem Shalom crossing from Israel into Gaza for aid inspections. The trucks would then proceed to Rafah for entry into Gaza. The World Food Programme (WFP) has stressed the urgent need for a second border crossing to meet the growing demand for aid.

Key areas within Gaza, such as Khan Younis in the south, have been particularly hard-hit by heavy air strikes. Dr Ahmed Moghrabi, head of the plastic surgery and burns unit at Nasser hospital, described the dire circumstances and tearfully expressed concern over the lack of food. The hospital has struggled to cope with the overwhelming number of dead and wounded arriving at its doors.

In a move that further escalated tensions, the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accused the US of complicity in war crimes and held Washington responsible for the loss of innocent lives.

Saturday's confirmation of the death of Israeli hostage Sahar Baruch, 25, further deepens the tragedy. The armed wing of Hamas released a video, claiming it showed the aftermath of a failed IDF operation to free the hostage. It is estimated that more than 100 Israelis are still being held captive by Hamas in Gaza.

As the conflict persists, the international community is demanding swift action to address the dire situation in Gaza. The urgent need for aid and a substantial ceasefire is evident, as the suffering and desperation of the Gazan people continue to escalate with every passing day.