The Hamas-run health ministry said ten Palestinians, including two children, died of starvation in Gaza in the last 24 hours. As a result, the death toll from hunger has risen to 313, including 119 children.

Since Israel tightened its siege, food supplies have collapsed. Consequently, a UN-backed group confirmed last week that famine has already begun in Gaza. It also warned that without more aid, even larger numbers will be cut off from food.

Pope calls for peace

Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV made an emotional appeal to stop the war. He said, “I beg for a permanent ceasefire to be reached, the safe entry of humanitarian aid to be facilitated and humanitarian law to be fully respected.”

He also stressed the importance of global rules, reminding that international law “prohibits collective punishment, indiscriminate use of force and the forced displacement of the population.”

Israel pushes forward with strikes

However, Israel pressed on with its military campaign despite calls for a ceasefire. Overnight, tanks moved into the outskirts of Gaza City. As a result, homes were destroyed and many residents fled.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that Israeli strikes killed 76 people in the past 24 hours.

UN confirms famine

Last week, the United Nations officially declared famine in Gaza. According to experts, at least 500,000 people already face catastrophic hunger. Therefore, this marks the first famine declared in West Asia.

UN aid chief Tom Fletcher said the crisis was preventable. He blamed Israel, saying it happened “because of systematic obstruction by Israel.”

The UN report added, “After 22 months of relentless conflict, over half a million people in the Gaza Strip are facing catastrophic conditions characterised by starvation, destitution and death.”

Looking ahead, the famine is expected to spread into Deir el-Balah and Khan Yunis by late September. Consequently, two-thirds of Gaza’s population could be affected. The number at risk may rise to nearly 641,000 people.

Trump reviews Gaza conflict

At the same time, President Donald Trump held a policy meeting in Washington to discuss the Gaza crisis, Reuters reported. A senior US official described it as “simply a policy session.”

Trump met top White House officials, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and former adviser Jared Kushner. Together, they discussed humanitarian aid, the hostage situation, and plans for rebuilding Gaza after the war.