The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza has reached a grim new milestone, with international agencies confirming that famine is now officially present across the region. Over five hunderd and forteen thousand  Palestinians—nearly a quarter of Gaza’s population—are experiencing famine conditions, a number projected to rise to 641,000 by the end of September.

Israeli tanks advanced further into Gaza City overnight, demolishing entire neighborhoods such as Zeitoun, where over 1,500 homes have been flattened. At least 24 Palestinians were killed in the latest wave of attacks, including a woman and her child in the Bureij refugee camp. The total death toll from the war has surpassed 62,000, with 159,000 wounded, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.

In a rare show of unity, 14 out of 15 members of the United Nations Security Council issued a joint statement condemning the famine as a “man-made crisis” and calling for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian aid. The United States stood alone in dissent, questioning the credibility of the famine assessment and defending its continued support for Israel.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation as “death and destruction without parallel in recent times,” urging Israel to fulfill its obligations as the occupying power by allowing food, water, and medical aid into Gaza.

The crisis is disproportionately affecting children. Médecins Sans Frontières reports that nearly one-third of outpatients in Gaza are under 15 years old, many suffering from malnutrition and trauma. In the past 24 hours alone, four children died from starvation, bringing the total famine-related death toll to 317, including 121 children.

An NPR investigation revealed growing concern among former U.S. officials about Washington’s role in the crisis. Many questioned whether enough was done to prevent the humanitarian collapse, especially given the scale of arms support provided to Israel.

Jewish peace activists in California staged protests demanding an end to U.S. arms shipments to Israel. Over 130 were arrested, including rabbis and descendants of Holocaust survivors. Meanwhile, global leaders and humanitarian organizations continue to press for accountability and a permanent ceasefire.

Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera, BBC World News, Associated Press