The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warned on Saturday that Gaza is on the brink of a deeper humanitarian catastrophe, with basic supplies nearly exhausted and widespread hunger taking hold. "All basic supplies are running out in Gaza. It means babies, children are going to bed hungry," said Juliette Touma, UNRWA's director of communications, in a statement. The agency noted that six weeks into the Israeli-imposed siege, the entry of humanitarian aid and commercial goods remains blocked. "Food stocks are nearly gone, bakeries have shut down, and hunger is spreading," it added. UNRWA called for immediate international action to avert a worsening humanitarian disaster. The warning comes as the Israeli military continues its offensive on Gaza, which resumed on March 18, breaking a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement reached in January. According to Gaza health authorities, more than 50,900 Palestinians — the majority women and children — have been killed in Israeli attacks on the enclave since October 2023. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also the subject of a genocide case at the International Court of Justice. — Agencies
