Many in Gaza facing 'famine-like conditions', UN's health agency says | BBC News

Summary

The UN health agency reports catastrophic hunger and famine-like conditions in Gaza after months of war, with thousands of children suffering from acute malnutrition. Aid delivery is hindered by ongoing fighting and sanctions on extremist groups. The World Health Organization highlights a dire lack of medical supplies, and the International Court of Justice urges Israel to allow aid. Ceasefire negotiations are stalled, with confusion over hostage numbers and conditions. Escalation at the Israel-Lebanon border adds to the crisis, with France's peace proposal rejected by Israel, citing disagreements over Gaza.

Takeaways

• 🚨 The UN health agency reports catastrophic hunger and famine-like conditions in Gaza after eight months of war.
• 🏥 Thousands of children in Gaza have been diagnosed with acute malnutrition.
• 🤝 The G7 leaders have called for more aid to be sent to Gaza without obstacles.
• 🚚 Aid delivery is hindered by increased fighting and infrastructure damage, including the World Food Program's warehouses hit in June.
• 🛃 The US State Department has imposed sanctions on a violent extremist group, Tavf 9, which has looted aid trucks and faces a blockade on aid delivery to Gaza.
• 🗣️ There are conflicting reports and a lack of clarity regarding the number of hostages alive due to ongoing fighting.
• 🏥 The World Health Organization states there is a shortage of medical supplies, and hospitals are not functioning at full capacity.
• 📢 The International Court of Justice has urged Israel to allow aid to reach those in need in Gaza.
• 💔 Reports indicate that people, including children, are dying due to hunger, with one child's death reported recently.
• 🔄 Oxfam has called for immediate action rather than more talks, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
• 🔄 There is a stalemate in progress towards a ceasefire deal, which would also involve facilitating more aid into Gaza.

Q & A

What is the current state of Gaza's population according to the UN's health agency?

A significant proportion of Gaza's population is facing catastrophic hunger and famine-like conditions after eight months of war.

What has been the impact of the war on children in Gaza?

Thousands of children have been diagnosed with acute malnutrition due to the ongoing conflict.

What is the current aid situation in Gaza as described by BBC Arabic's Shahata Say?

There are significant problems with aid delivery due to increased fighting and obstacles, including sanctions imposed by the US State Department on a violent extremist group called Tavf 9.

What did the G7 leaders recommend regarding aid to Gaza?

The G7 leaders stated that more aid should be sent to Gaza without any obstacles.

How has the fighting affected the delivery of aid in Gaza?

The fighting, especially in the north, central, and south of Gaza, has created obstacles for aid delivery, with warehouses being hit and increased difficulties in reaching those in need.

What is the situation regarding medical supplies and hospital functionality in Gaza?

The World Health Organization reports a lack of medical supplies, and even though some hospitals have partially reopened, they are not functioning at full capacity.

What has the International Court of Justice called for in relation to Gaza?

The International Court of Justice has called on Israel to allow aid to reach the needy people in Gaza.

What is the current stance of Oxfam on the situation in Gaza?

Oxfam has stated that it is time for action rather than talks, emphasizing that the time for discussions has passed and immediate action is required.

What is the latest information on the hostages in Gaza?

There is confusion about the number of hostages still alive, with Hamas leaders stating that two hostages were recently killed, and the exact number of those who have died or are still alive is unclear due to ongoing fighting.

What are the conditions set by Hamas for a ceasefire deal?

Hamas has set conditions for a ceasefire deal, including the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and an end to the war, which Israel is currently not willing to concede.

What is the current situation on the border with Lebanon and Israel?

The situation has escalated recently with Hezbollah firing 150 rockets against Israeli targets and Israel launching several raids on southern Lebanon. There have been attempts to ease tensions, but Israel has rejected a French proposal for a three-lateral contact group.