### Escalating Gaza Crisis: Calls for Increased Humanitarian Aid Amid Rising Death Toll

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as the international community urges Israel to significantly increase its aid deliveries to the region. German government spokesperson Sebastian Hille criticized the current level of aid as "too little, too late and too slow." According to Israeli military reports, 107 aid trucks entered Gaza on Thursday, a stark contrast to the 500 trucks that used to enter daily before the conflict began.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the severity of the crisis, describing it as potentially the "cruellest phase" of the ongoing conflict. He highlighted the drastic shortfall in aid, noting that the authorised aid amounts to "a teaspoon" in comparison to the "flood of assistance" necessary. Guterres warned that the entire population of Gaza faces the risk of famine, as the intensified Israeli military offensive leads to escalating death and destruction.

Since lifting an 11-week blockade on Monday, Israel reports that approximately 300 trucks have crossed into Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing. However, logistical challenges and insecurity have prevented about two-thirds of those truckloads from reaching warehouses within Gaza, significantly undermining the aid efforts.

The dire conditions on the ground were underscored by Gaza's health ministry, which reported at least 60 fatalities from Israeli strikes over a 24-hour period. Among the dead were civilians from various locations, including Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, and the Jabaliya refugee camp. Furthermore, attacks have targeted healthcare facilities, with three staff members injured at the al-Awda hospital after it was hit by Israeli drone bombs.

Adding to the chaos, more than 50 civilians, including women and children, are feared trapped under rubble following an airstrike on a residential building in northern Gaza. Civil defense crews described the aftermath as a "horrific massacre."

Criticism of Israel’s military actions has come from international leaders like UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused them of "emboldening Hamas" by calling for a halt to the offensive and advocating for increased humanitarian aid.

The World Health Organization (WHO) raised alarms over the collapsing healthcare system in Gaza, reporting that at least 94% of the territory’s hospitals are damaged or destroyed. Simultaneously, UNICEF has revealed that over 9,000 children were treated for malnutrition in Gaza this year, with tens of thousands more expected to require aid in the coming year.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has noted that within the past month, approximately 29% of Gaza's population has been displaced again, marking over 161,000 displaced in a single week. Amidst this turmoil, Cindy McCain of the World Food Programme expressed a cautious sense of hope, noting that a "handful" of bakeries have resumed operations as the blockade eases slightly.

Guterres reiterated the urgent need for unrestricted and sustained humanitarian access to Gaza to prevent further loss of life and long-term humanitarian consequences. The appeal for immediate action highlights the dire circumstances faced by the civilians of Gaza, urging the global community to intervene swiftly and effectively.