Israel's military has announced an expansion of its ground offensive in Gaza, ordering new evacuations in the west of the strip. The move comes as negotiations over a UN security council resolution aimed at increasing the flow of humanitarian supplies into Gaza continue for another day.

The military has instructed people to leave their homes in al-Bureij, an urban refugee camp, and has also deployed additional ground troops to fight in southern Khan Younis. Originally declared safe for civilians fleeing from the north, both areas are now considered at risk.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in a staggering displacement of nearly 85% of Gaza's population, with over 20,000 people killed. The majority of these casualties are women and children, accounting for almost 1% of Gaza's pre-war population. Many more are still missing, presumed dead, buried under the rubble of devastated towns and cities.

The surviving Palestinians are facing dire conditions, with the United Nations warning of starvation and disease. They are crammed into overcrowded shelters and tented settlements, lacking clean water and proper sanitation. The UN has declared that a quarter of the population, around half a million people, already face catastrophic hunger, and this number is expected to rise rapidly due to the ongoing blockade.

The severity of the crisis has led to negotiations in the UN security council to pass a resolution intended to expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid. However, the resolution has been delayed by a week as diplomats work towards a mutually agreeable wording to avoid a potential veto from the United States, Israel's staunchest ally. The US has said it is ready to support a version with substantial amendments, including the removal of a call for an "urgent suspension of hostilities."

Israel has rejected calls to end its offensive, insisting that its primary goal of destroying Hamas must be accomplished before any cessation of hostilities. The amended resolution appeals for "urgent steps to immediately allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and also for creating the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities." It remains unclear whether the changes will be accepted by other council members, particularly Russia.

While the removal of calls for a ceasefire may temporarily alleviate international pressure on Israel, the scale of suffering in Gaza and the prospect of intensifying violence in the ongoing ground war have raised concerns even among Israel's allies. Aid workers have also criticized Israel's approach.

Despite assurances from Israel that areas had been declared safe for civilians, an airstrike in the southern city of Rafah killed six people, including a child. The healthcare system in Gaza is in collapse, with only nine out of 36 hospitals still functioning, and aid workers from Palestinian Red Crescent have also been detained.

The conflict began on 7 October when Hamas militants breached the border fence into Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and the kidnapping of over 200 people. Israel's military states that 140 soldiers have been killed since the start of the ground battles in Gaza.

As the situation intensifies, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the war will not cease until its goals are achieved. The families of those kidnapped have expressed their frustration, demanding that the return of their loved ones should be the top priority. The news was also marred by the announcement that Gadi Haggai, who was believed to have been taken hostage, had actually died on 7 October and his body was taken into Gaza.

The delay in the UN resolution vote allows for further consultation, but the urgency for swift action and humanitarian aid remains critical.