Gaza: Seven more Palestinians, including a child, died from starvation and malnutrition in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, as reported by the Health Ministry in the besieged enclave. The new deaths, recorded in the past 24 hours, brought the total number of starvation-related fatalities since October 2023 to 169, including 93 children, the ministry said in a statement.

According to Anadolu Agency, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening due to the ongoing Israeli blockade, now in its 18th year, which has severely limited the entry of essential food and medical supplies. The ministry emphasized that the situation is deteriorating rapidly and called for immediate intervention from the international community and humanitarian organizations to alleviate the suffering and deliver urgent aid.

The situation has been exacerbated since March 2, when Israeli authorities completely sealed off all border crossings, creating famine-like conditions across the enclave. Rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli army has continued its offensive on Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of more than 60,000 Palestinians, most of whom are women and children. The relentless bombing has devastated the enclave, increasing the risk of famine.

In response to the crisis, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.