Gaza city: Palestinian authorities have announced a pressing need for 500,000 bags of flour weekly in Gaza, as famine conditions worsen due to an ongoing Israeli blockade. The situation has been exacerbated by the complete closure of all crossings for 145 days, which has also halted the entry of vital humanitarian supplies, including infant formula.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Palestinian government media office released a statement highlighting the severe and widespread nature of the famine, while dismissing claims that aid shipments have mitigated the crisis. The office criticized these assertions as a deliberate misrepresentation of the situation and the existing Israeli actions.

Meanwhile, Egypt's Al-Qahera News channel reported that 166 aid trucks have entered Gaza since late Wednesday, utilizing the northern Zikim and southern Kerem Shalom border crossings. Despite this, the Palestinian authorities emphasize the dire need for substantial flour imports to avert a complete humanitarian collapse.

The humanitarian crisis is further underscored by data from Gaza's Health Ministry, which indicates that at least 111 individuals have succumbed to starvation and malnutrition since October 2023. The ongoing conflict and blockade have severely impacted Gaza's health system and food supply.

Since March 2, Israel has delayed the implementation of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas, maintaining the closure of Gaza's borders and leaving aid trucks stalled at the frontier. The military operations have resulted in over 59,200 Palestinian deaths, primarily affecting women and children, and have left the enclave on the brink of collapse.

Compounding the crisis, last November saw the International Criminal Court issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel is also facing legal proceedings for genocide at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in Gaza.