**UN Warns Gaza Faces Unprecedented Risk of Famine Amid Humanitarian Crisis**

The United Nations has declared Gaza as "the hungriest place on Earth," highlighting the severe risk of famine facing the entire population of the Palestinian territory. Jens Laerke, the spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, stressed the unprecedented nature of the crisis, describing Gaza as "the only defined area where 100 per cent of the population is at risk of famine."

The delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza has faced significant hurdles. Despite Israel authorizing 900 trucks of aid to enter the region since partially lifting the blockade, only 600 have crossed the border. The distribution within Gaza has been further hampered by security concerns, making it one of the most obstructed aid operations in recent history, according to Laerke. He described the desperate scenes, with truckloads often swarmed by people in need.

While Laerke condemned the operational challenges on the ground, Israel's UN Ambassador Daniel Meron accused UN agencies of distorting facts to vilify Israel. Meron claimed that Israel, alongside its partners, has made significant efforts to ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians, rather than supporting militant groups like Hamas.

As the humanitarian situation worsens, incidents have been reported where "armed individuals" looted a warehouse at a field hospital in Deir al-Balah, seizing medical supplies, nutritional supplements, and medicines meant for children.

The conflict has also stalled diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire. While Hamas is reviewing a US proposal for a ceasefire deal, it has criticized the plan for not addressing Palestinian demands. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted a draft deal, but Hamas remains unwilling to disarm or relinquish control. Netanyahu faces pressure from his far-right coalition, particularly from Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who is calling for a more aggressive military approach in Gaza.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, supported by the US and Israel, has expanded its food distribution efforts but faced criticism for its effectiveness. The chaotic launch of aid distribution led to violence, with Israeli troops firing on a crowd, resulting in casualties.

International criticism of Israel's handling of the crisis has been mounting. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that allowing Gaza to suffer would damage the credibility of the West. Macron's comments were met with a sharp rebuke from Israel, accusing him of favoring Palestinian statehood and misrepresenting the humanitarian situation.

The ongoing conflict has already claimed thousands of lives, with Israeli airstrikes continuing to target areas within Gaza. According to health officials in Gaza, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its campaign in response to the October 2023 attack by Hamas, which resulted in significant Israeli casualties and hostages being taken into Gaza.