**Gaza Faces Dire Food Crisis as UN Reports High Malnutrition Rates**

As the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates, the World Food Programme reports significant malnutrition rates among civilians while international calls for aid intensify.

Almost a third of the population in Gaza is reportedly going days without food, according to a warning issued by the United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP). The organization highlighted a rapid increase in malnutrition, with around 90,000 women and children in urgent need of treatment. This alarming situation comes amid a rise in starvation-related deaths, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting nine additional fatalities due to malnutrition, bringing the total to 122 since the onset of the latest conflict.

Israeli officials maintain that there are no restrictions on aid entering Gaza and attribute the malnutrition to Hamas's actions. In a potential shift, an Israeli security official suggested that airdrops of humanitarian supplies could be initiated soon. However, aid agencies have cautioned that aerial deliveries are not a reliable means of providing food and essential goods to those in need.

Local reports indicate that the United Arab Emirates and Jordan are prepared to participate in aid drops, although a senior Jordanian official stated they are still awaiting Israeli authorization. The UN has criticized these potential airdrops as merely a diversion from the larger issue of significant restrictions on aid.

Internationally, there is mounting pressure on Israel to alleviate the aid blockade. On Friday, a joint statement from Germany, France, and the UK urged Israel to "immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid" and to cease hostilities, highlighting their obligation under international humanitarian law. The UN Secretary-General also expressed frustration with the global community's perceived inaction amid ongoing suffering, revealing that over 1,000 Palestinians have died while attempting to secure food since the beginning of the new humanitarian crisis.

Reports of extreme violence have emerged from individuals witnessing events in Gaza. A former US security contractor claimed to have observed "war crimes" inflicted upon civilians by the Israel Defense Forces and US contractors during food distribution attempts. The claims have been denied by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, attributing them to a disgruntled former employee.

Meanwhile, discussions around establishing a ceasefire and negotiating a hostage release have stalled, with US and Israeli negotiating teams withdrawing from talks in Qatar. President Donald Trump has commented that Hamas appears uninterested in negotiating, while Hamas officials have expressed their surprise at these remarks and have indicated that discussions have not completely broken down.

Since the war’s escalation following a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in substantial loss of life on both sides, the humanitarian circumstances for the residents of Gaza have become increasingly dire. With over 59,000 reported deaths in Gaza since the onset of hostilities, and more than 90% of homes damaged or destroyed, the plight of Gazans continues to draw global attention and concern.