UN, Red Cross Urge End to Gaza Aid Blockade

Multiple international leaders and organizations, including Ireland's Tánaiste Simon Harris, the UN, and the Red Cross, have urged Israel to immediately lift its two-month aid blockade on Gaza, warning of an impending humanitarian catastrophe. Aid agencies report acute shortages, with children starving, hospitals out of essential medicines, and widespread looting driven by hunger. Ongoing Israeli airstrikes have killed dozens, intensifying civilian suffering and destruction. The UN warns that the blockade and use of starvation as a weapon could amount to war crimes under international law. Oman has condemned the blockade, called for accountability for those using starvation and forced displacement, and urged continued support for UN humanitarian operations. With more than 2 million people affected, the crisis in Gaza is now described as being on the verge of total collapse.