Jerusalem, August 24: Israeli officials have pledged to press ahead with the military offensive in Gaza City, despite mounting international criticism and growing concern over the humanitarian crisis. Residents reported intense air and ground assaults on Sunday, while Gaza’s health authorities confirmed a rising death toll due to famine.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reiterated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will continue operating with full force to defeat Hamas, ensure the release of hostages, and secure Israel’s long-term security. “The war will end on Israel’s terms,” Katz said, reaffirming Friday’s warning that Gaza City would be razed unless Hamas surrendered and met Israel’s conditions.
The IDF reported an expanded assault on the Jabaliya area in northern Gaza, targeting both above-ground and underground Hamas infrastructure. “The troops are eliminating militants and securing operational control to prevent regrouping,” the IDF said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s health authorities said at least eight people, including one child, died of starvation in the past 24 hours. Since March, the famine death toll has climbed to 281—114 of them children. Over 62,000 people have been killed since October 2023, according to the same sources.
On Friday, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) officially confirmed that famine is occurring in Gaza and warned it could soon expand to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis.
UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher called the confirmation of famine a “moment of collective shame.” In a powerful appeal, he urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire and allow unrestricted humanitarian access. “Let us get food and supplies in—at the massive scale required. Enough is enough,” he said during a press briefing in Geneva.
