Palestinians inspect the damage following overnight Israeli strikes, at the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. AFP
"There is no sense in engaging in talks or considering new ceasefire proposals as long as the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip," Basem Naim told AFP, urging the international community "to pressure the Netanyahu government to end the crimes of hunger, thirst, and killings" in Gaza.
His comments come a day after Israel's occupation army said expanded operations in Gaza would include displacing "most" of its residents, after the Israeli security cabinet approved a plan that an Israeli official said will entail "the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories".
Israel's decision comes as the United Nations and aid organisations have repeatedly warned of the humanitarian catastrophe on the ground, with famine again looming after more than two months of a total Israeli blockade.
Since early March, Israel blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza, including food, plunging the territory of 2.3 million people into what is believed to be the worst humanitarian crisis since the war began.
The longest blockade on Gaza has sparked a growing international outcry, but it has failed to persuade Israel to break open the borders.
UN experts say Israel is "weaponising starvation" in Gaza.
Since March 2, UN agencies have documented a rise in acute malnutrition among children. They are finding low immunity, frequent illness, weight and muscle mass loss, protruding bones or bellies, and brittle hair. Since the start of the year, more than 9,000 children have been admitted or treated for acute malnutrition, UNICEF said.
The increase was dramatic in March, with 3,600 cases or an 80 percent increase compared to the 2,000 children treated in February.
Since then, conditions have only worsened. Supplies used to prevent malnutrition, such as supplements and biscuits, have been depleted, according to UNICEF. Therapeutic food used to treat acute malnutrition is running out.
Nearly all of the Strip's 2.4 million people have been displaced at least once during the Israeli war on Gaza.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has killed at least 52,567 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children.
Additionally, 118,610 others have been injured.
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