• UN warns that half of Gaza's population is starving
• Israeli tanks surround Khan Younis, engaging in house-to-house fighting
• Hamas attacked Israel nine weeks ago, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 240 hostages

Tel-Aviv - In the midst of the ongoing conflict, the UN World Food Programme's deputy director, Carl Skau, delivered a stark warning, revealing the devastating impact on Gaza's population. World Food Programme official says nine out of 10 people in Gaza can't eat daily due to Israeli siege.

Skau expressed deep concern, stating that an alarming half of Gaza's residents are now grappling with the harsh reality of starvation as the conflict persists.

Skau shed light on the challenging conditions that humanitarian organizations face in delivering essential supplies to Gaza. He pointed out that only a fraction of the critically needed aid has managed to enter the beleaguered region, creating an almost insurmountable obstacle in addressing the pressing needs of the population.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, Lt Col Richard Hecht, asserts that the IDF is making significant efforts to provide aid to Gaza. They are opening additional crossings and allowing more trucks to enter the territory, with a focus on ensuring security checks for all incoming vehicles.

Since October 7, Israel's closure of border crossings has obstructed the regular flow of crucial supplies, including food, water, fuel, and medicine, into Gaza. Humanitarian agencies emphasize the urgent need for assistance in the region.

To address the dire situation, Israel has agreed to open the Kerem Shalom border crossing between Israel and Gaza in the coming days. Lt Col Hecht defends the IDF's actions in Gaza, stating that they are actively working to safeguard civilians and remove them from harm's way.

On the other side of the conflict, Israel remains resolute in its stance, arguing that continued airstrikes on Gaza are imperative for eliminating the threat posed by Hamas and ensuring the safe return of Israeli hostages. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have faced international criticism for their stringent restrictions on movement in and out of Gaza since October, severely impacting the flow of aid into the region.

The Biden administration's recent decision to utilize emergency powers to authorize the sale of over 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition, valued at more than $106 million, to Israel has added another layer of complexity to the situation. This move has triggered concerns and debates, with some questioning the appropriateness of such a decision amid the ongoing conflict.

While there have been sporadic moments of relief, such as a temporary seven-day ceasefire last month, the challenges persist. Skau emphasized that a second border crossing is imperative to meet the growing demand for aid in Gaza. He shared harrowing accounts from his recent visit, describing scenes of confusion at warehouses, overcrowded shelters, and supermarkets with bare shelves – all indicative of the overwhelming despair faced by the local population.

In Khan Younis, a city now encircled by Israeli tanks, the situation is particularly dire. Residents report severe shortages of food, with some families spending entire days and nights without any sustenance. The head of the plastic surgery and burns unit at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, Dr. Ahmed Moghrabi, fought back tears as he described the heart-wrenching reality of being unable to provide even basic food items for his three-year-old daughter.

The IDF contends that Hamas leaders are using Khan Younis as a hiding place, potentially in an underground network of tunnels. As a response, Israel has intensified its military operations in the city, engaging in house-to-house and "shaft-to-shaft" combat to dismantle Hamas's military infrastructure.

US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas accuses the US of complicity in war crimes. Iran also condemned US support for Israel, warning of a potential "uncontrollable explosion" in the Middle East.

Israel on the other hand praised the US, stating a ceasefire would have helped Hamas stay in power in Gaza.

The UK aligns with the US, citing the inability to support a resolution without condemning "the atrocities Hamas committed."