China, historically sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, has been calling for a ceasefire since the war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7. The war has reduced vast stretches of Gaza to a wasteland of gutted buildings and rubble and sparked a humanitarian disaster for its 2.4 million people. Health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said "the famine in northern Gaza has reached lethal levels" and could claim thousands of lives unless Gaza receives more aid and medical supplies. British Foreign Minister David Cameron also pressed Israel on Wednesday to increase the flow of aid into Gaza. Gaza officials blamed the deaths on Israeli gunfire, while the army insisted most were trampled or run over.

Source: The Hindu March 07, 2024 19:42 UTC