Israeli Airstrikes Kill 51 Palestinians Amid Gaza Famine Crisis

Israeli airstrikes and gunfire have killed at least 51 Palestinians in Gaza, including civilians sheltering in tents and those seeking scarce food aid amid a worsening famine crisis. The United Nations has declared a famine in Gaza, marking the first such designation in the Middle East, with experts warning that 500,000 people face catastrophic hunger; however, Israel has dismissed these claims as false. The violence has intensified in Gaza City and southern Gaza, with many casualties among women and children, and aid deliveries have been severely disrupted, leading to chaotic and dangerous conditions for civilians. Israeli Defense Minister has warned that a new military operation targeting Gaza City could be imminent, even as ceasefire efforts remain stalled and mediators await Israel's next moves. The conflict, sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, continues to have devastating humanitarian consequences, including malnutrition deaths and the killing of aid-seekers near crossings. Meanwhile, Israel faces internal pressure to negotiate hostage releases and end the fighting, but it remains unclear if talks mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar will resume.