Gaza Conflict Escalates with Hospital Strikes and Famine

The UN has demanded justice following an Israeli double strike on a Gaza hospital that killed at least 20 people, including five journalists and four health workers. The Israeli military initially claimed the strike targeted a 'camera positioned by Hamas' but failed to explain the second strike that hit rescuers and journalists. The attack has been widely condemned, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer describing it as 'completely indefensible'. The incident has raised questions about the targeting of journalists and the need for accountability. Meanwhile, Israelis have launched nationwide protests calling for a ceasefire deal to release hostages held by Hamas.

The Gaza Strip is experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger, with over half a million people in phase five of food insecurity, characterized by extreme food deprivation, acute malnutrition, and starvation-related deaths. The famine is currently centered in the Gaza governorate but is expected to spread to other areas by the end of September. The local ministry of health reports over 270 starvation-related deaths, including more than 100 children. Israel's ministry of defence disputes the hunger-related death toll and rejects the findings of the IPC report.

A UN-backed report has declared famine in areas of Gaza, sparking a fierce reaction from Israel. The report, produced by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), found that the Gaza Governorate is experiencing famine, with Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis in severe crisis. Israel has pushed back against the report's findings, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office calling it 'an outright lie.' The IPC has called for an immediate ceasefire, unconditional humanitarian access, and large-scale humanitarian assistance. The UN Secretary-General has condemned Israel, stating that the situation is a 'man-made disaster' and a 'moral indictment.' Israel has denied the allegations, claiming that it does not have a policy of starvation and that Hamas is responsible for diverting aid.

At least 20 people, including five journalists, were killed in two Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. The Gaza health ministry and media organizations confirmed the deaths. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret, calling it a 'tragic mishap,' and ordered an investigation. The Israeli military claimed it was operating in a complex reality and that Hamas uses civilian infrastructure as shields. The incident has been condemned by various media organizations and press freedom advocates, highlighting the dangers faced by journalists in the conflict zone.