Ten Palestinians, including two children, have died from starvation in the past day, according to health officials in Gaza on Wednesday, as Pope Leo XIV urged Israel to end what he called the "collective punishment" of civilians in the besieged region.
Since the conflict in Gaza escalated and Israel tightened its blockade, at least 313 people, among them 119 children, have perished due to hunger. A recent assessment by a UN-supported agency confirmed that Gaza is experiencing famine conditions, with warnings that more lives will be lost unless additional aid reaches those in need.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the pope called for an immediate halt to hostilities.
“I appeal for a lasting ceasefire, the unimpeded delivery of aid, and full adherence to humanitarian law,” Leo stated. He emphasized international legal principles, including the “prohibition of collective punishment, indiscriminate attacks, and forced displacement.”
His plea for a truce was met with applause twice from the crowd gathered in the Vatican auditorium.
Despite these appeals, Israeli forces advanced overnight toward the edges of Gaza City, demolishing homes and forcing residents to flee. Shelling struck the Ebad al-Rahman area on the city’s northern outskirts, causing casualties as troops attempted to secure access ahead of a planned offensive.
Health officials in Gaza reported that at least 76 people had been killed across Gaza by Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours.
The Israeli military stated its operations in Jabaliya and near Gaza City aimed to “eliminate militant networks and fighters.” It announced the death of Mahmoud al-Aswad, a high-ranking Hamas figure who led the group’s intelligence operations in western Gaza.
Israel has declared its intention to proceed with a new assault on Gaza City, regardless of any ceasefire agreement, calling it Hamas’s remaining stronghold in Gaza.
The city’s population has swelled during the war as displaced Palestinians seek refuge, now holding nearly one million people—half of Gaza’s population. Israeli authorities have stated these residents will be instructed to evacuate.
Humanitarian groups warn that such large-scale forced displacement violates international law and would worsen Gaza’s already dire conditions.
Israel has dismissed these concerns. A military spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, said on Wednesday that “clearing Gaza City is unavoidable.” Authorities have directed aid groups in northern and southern Gaza to prepare for new waves of displacement, mentioning that additional tents have been dispatched.
“Ahead of the next phase of operations, I reiterate that there are open spaces in the southern areas, as well as in central camps and al-Mawasi. These locations have no tents,” Adraee stated.
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