For the first time since the conflict began, the United Nations has openly spoken of famine in Gaza. According to the UN, 132,000 children are at immediate risk of acute malnutrition, while 2.4 million people are living without sufficient food, shelter, and adequate medical care.

The report comes on one of the bloodiest days in recent months. Medical sources in the Strip report at least 52 deaths caused by Israeli strikes, including four children and a woman hit by a drone in Khan Younis. In Gaza City, meanwhile, a school housing displaced people was hit by air strikes, resulting in 12 deaths, according to Al Jazeera.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated his ultimatum to Hamas: "Release all hostages and lay down their weapons, or Gaza will be destroyed." These words, according to the UN, risk worsening an already out-of-control humanitarian crisis . Meanwhile, the Israeli army confirmed that its ground operation in Gaza City is "expanding" and ordered the evacuation of approximately one million people south.

Adding to the complexity is the hostage issue. Hamas, through the mediation of Egypt and Qatar, reportedly offered a two-stage release, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the proposal, instead demanding the immediate handover of all kidnapped persons, dead or alive.

While the bombing continues on the ground and the population faces hunger and mass displacement, protests by the hostages' families are growing in Israel .

Following last week's general strike, thousands of protesters blocked a highway near Tel Aviv and staged a sit-in outside the Prime Minister's residence in Jerusalem. A new day of national action has been scheduled for Tuesday.

(Unioneonline/Fr.Me.)

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