Eleven more people in Gaza have died from malnutrition, the Hamas-run health ministry said Saturday, bringing the total to 212 — including 98 children.
The ministry also reported at least 38 killed and 491 injured in Israeli military operations over the past 24 hours.
Israeli Plan to Seize Gaza City
The deaths come amid reports that Israel has set a 7 October deadline for residents to evacuate Gaza City under a controversial plan to take full control of the area.
Approved Friday by Israel’s security cabinet, the plan outlines five “principles” to end the war, including seizing security control of Gaza. Israeli media report the first step will be forcing the city’s estimated one million residents further south, with a two-month window before a military siege begins.
Critics — including world leaders, humanitarian groups, some Israeli military officials, and hostage families — warn the plan will worsen the humanitarian crisis and endanger hostages.
Defence Minister Israel Katz dismissed the criticism, saying it would “not weaken our resolve.” U.S. President Donald Trump called the decision “pretty much up to Israel.”
Humanitarian Impact
Gaza City’s pre-war population of 600,000 has swelled as Israeli operations displaced people from other parts of the strip. Many now live in tents or damaged buildings.
Israel plans to move residents to al-Mawasi, a sprawling tent camp in southern Gaza already suffering from inadequate sanitation and scarce resources. Aid groups warn the relocation will deepen hunger and hardship, with UN experts saying the “worst-case scenario of famine” is underway.
The UN says aid entering Gaza remains “far below” what’s needed, citing delays at Israeli-controlled crossings. Israel denies starvation is occurring and accuses UN agencies of failing to collect and deliver supplies.
Deaths During Aid Distribution
According to Gaza’s health ministry, 21 people were killed in the past day while trying to get food. Since late May, the UN says 1,373 Palestinians have died seeking aid — most allegedly shot by Israeli forces. Israel blames Hamas for creating chaos at aid sites and denies targeting civilians.
Possible Siege and Hostage Threat
If residents do not evacuate by October, Israel is expected to lay siege to Gaza City and intensify attacks. Hamas has vowed to resist and has reportedly ordered captors to kill hostages if Israeli forces close in.
An estimated 20 Israeli hostages are believed to be alive in Gaza, some possibly held in or near Gaza City.
War Background
The war began after Hamas-led attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Since then, more than 61,300 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military operations, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
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