UNRWA Warns Gaza City's Malnourished Children Face Death Amid Israeli Offensive

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has issued a dire warning about a six-fold increase in malnutrition among children in Gaza City since March, emphasizing that many are too weak to endure further displacements amid Israel's intensified military operations. He described the situation as a "manufactured and fabricated famine," accusing Israel of using food as a weapon of war. As Israel steps up its assault, calling up 60,000 reservists and targeting what it terms Hamas's remaining strongholds, humanitarian conditions are deteriorating rapidly. Hamas has proposed a 60-day ceasefire, including phased hostage exchanges and increased humanitarian access, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on an immediate release of all hostages under their terms. The United States is reportedly engaged in discussions regarding the ceasefire proposal accepted by Hamas, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts amid escalating violence. Lazzarini stressed that without immediate and large-scale emergency aid, the malnourished children in Gaza face a catastrophic risk of death.