• UN Chief Guterres labels Gaza's situation as potentially the "cruelest phase" of the conflict.
• Over 50 Palestinians killed or missing following recent Israeli air strikes.
• UNRWA calls for daily entry of 500-600 aid trucks to combat starvation in Gaza.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has characterized the current state of Gaza as “what may be the cruelest phase of this cruel conflict,” denouncing the Israeli military's actions that are exacerbating starvation and destruction among the Palestinian population. He noted that for nearly 80 days, Israel has blocked life-saving international aid, with the entire population facing a pronounced risk of famine, stating, “Eighty percent of Gaza has been either declared an Israeli militarised zone or is under evacuation orders,” according to Dawn and Al Jazeera.

The crisis is underscored by alarming reports of casualties. Recent air strikes by Israel have resulted in the deaths or disappearances of over 50 Palestinians in Jabalia alone, highlighting the brutal impact of the ongoing offensive. This contributes to a devastating toll, with the UN estimating over 53,900 Palestinians killed since October 7, 2023. Aid efforts have been hampered, as noted by sources, with Israeli forces targeting individuals attempting to assist victims in strikes, further complicating humanitarian response efforts, according to Dawn and AA.

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is pressing for a significant increase in the flow of humanitarian aid, asserting that at least 500-600 trucks must enter Gaza daily to alleviate starvation. They described the current aid response as “a teaspoon of aid when a flood of assistance is required,” emphasizing the urgent need for a sustained and meaningful flow of supplies, as more than 58 Palestinian deaths from starvation have been reported, according to AA and Al Jazeera.

While Israel has recently allowed some aid trucks to enter Gaza, the quantities remain grossly inadequate compared to the immense needs. Local reports indicate that less than 1% of what is required is currently reaching the population, as security and logistical issues impede distribution on the ground. Guterres emphasizes that international humanitarian law obligates Israel to facilitate aid; therefore, an urgent response is needed to avert a full-scale humanitarian disaster, as expressed by him and echoed by several humanitarian organizations, as stated by Dawn, Al Jazeera, and AA.