Israel has vowed to continue its Gaza City offensive despite international criticism and rising famine deaths. With over 62,000 killed and famine officially declared by the UN, humanitarian agencies urge urgent action. Defence Minister Israel Katz insists the assault will continue until Hamas is defeated and hostages are released.
Israel has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying military operations in Gaza City despite mounting global criticism and growing concerns over famine-related deaths in the enclave. On Sunday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed that the offensive would continue until Hamas is defeated, hostages are released, and Israel’s security demands are met.
“The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) is acting and will continue to act with full force to defeat Hamas, to secure the release of all the hostages, and to bring the war to an end under the conditions set by Israel,” Katz said, according to Xinhua news agency.
Katz’s declaration comes amid escalating military activity in northern Gaza. The Israeli army confirmed it had expanded its assault on Jabaliya, one of the largest refugee camps in the Strip, which has endured weeks of air and ground strikes. “The troops are dismantling terrorist infrastructure above and below ground, eliminating militants, and strengthening operational control in the area,” the IDF said in a statement. It further explained that expanding combat to new areas was aimed at preventing Hamas fighters from regrouping.
The offensive, however, coincides with an alarming humanitarian crisis. Gaza’s health authorities reported that at least eight people, including a child, died of starvation in the past 24 hours, pushing the famine-related death toll since March to 281. Among the victims are 114 children, highlighting the deepening tragedy.
Since the conflict began in October 2023, Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have killed more than 62,000 people in Gaza, according to the same authorities. The rising death toll and the rapid spread of famine have amplified international pressure on Israel to halt its offensive and allow unimpeded humanitarian access.
UN Declares Famine in Gaza
On Friday, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) committee, the global body responsible for famine assessments, confirmed that famine is currently occurring in Gaza. It warned that the crisis is expected to spread further into the central cities of Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis in the coming weeks unless urgent action is taken.
Reacting to the IPC confirmation, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher described the famine as “a moment of collective shame” during a press briefing in Geneva.
“It is a famine that we could have prevented, if we had been allowed,” Fletcher said. “It is a famine that must spur the world to more urgent action. That must shame the world to do better.”
Fletcher issued a direct appeal to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to authorize immediate humanitarian access. “My ask, my plea, my demand to Prime Minister Netanyahu and anyone who can reach him: Enough. Ceasefire. Open the crossings, north and south, all of them. Let us get food and other supplies in, unimpeded and at the massive scale required,” he said.
Rising Alarm at Home and Abroad
The military escalation has drawn alarm both internationally and within Israel itself. Critics argue that the destruction of Gaza City risks further humanitarian catastrophe without guaranteeing Israel’s long-term security. On Friday, Katz issued a stern warning that Gaza City would be razed unless Hamas surrendered and agreed to Israel’s terms, which include the release of all hostages and Israel’s permanent security control over the territory.
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As famine claims more lives daily, human rights organizations and aid agencies warn of irreversible consequences if access to food, water, and medical supplies is not urgently restored. The situation has been described as one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble and civilians trapped in dire conditions.
For now, Israel shows no sign of backing down. With military operations intensifying and famine spreading, Gaza faces the devastating intersection of war and starvation, leaving the international community grappling with how to respond to an escalating crisis that is exacting a staggering human toll.
