Netanyahu Seeks Red Cross Aid as UN Warns Gaza Near Famine

The United Nations says Gaza is sliding toward famine, with hunger now widespread after months of limited aid deliveries. A new UN assessment found that one in five children in Gaza City is malnourished and that two of the three internationally recognised famine thresholds have already been breached in parts of the enclave. Against that backdrop, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has asked the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross to intervene immediately and ensure that food and medical care reach Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. Netanyahu’s appeal comes amid growing pressure on Israel and militant groups to facilitate broader humanitarian access as living conditions deteriorate for the territory’s 2.3 million residents. UN officials warned that current aid flows are a “trickle” compared with needs and urged all parties to allow unhindered deliveries of food, water, medicine and fuel. Humanitarian agencies say time is running out to avert mass starvation unless access improves quickly.