Gaza: The World Food Program (WFP) has reported that two Palestinians were killed when dozens of people stormed an aid warehouse in the central Gaza Strip in search of food, as famine levels escalate due to the ongoing Israeli closure of crossings and denial of aid entry since early March.

According to Anadolu Agency, hordes of hungry people broke into WFP's Al-Ghafari warehouse in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, in search of food supplies that were pre-positioned for distribution. The UN food agency stated that "initial reports indicate two people died and several were injured in the tragic incident."

The WFP emphasized that humanitarian needs have spiraled out of control following Israel's 80-day complete blockade of all assistance and other aid into Gaza. The agency stressed that the war-devastated Palestinian enclave requires an immediate scale-up of food assistance as the only way to reassure people that they will not starve.

Israel has maintained the closure of Gaza crossings to food, as well as medical and humanitarian aid, since March 2, exacerbating an already severe humanitarian crisis in the enclave, according to government, human rights, and international reports. The Israeli army, rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, has continued its offensive against Gaza since October 2023, resulting in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians, most of whom are women and children.

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