Israel Intensifies Gaza City Assault Amid Dire Famine Warnings.

Israeli forces have unleashed a wave of intense airstrikes on Gaza City, targeting the residential areas of Zeitoun and Sabra for three consecutive days, according to the territory's civil defence agency. A spokesman, Mahmud Bassal, reported "massive destruction to civilian homes," with rescue efforts for the dead and injured hampered by the ongoing bombardment.

The escalating attacks come as Israel's war cabinet approved a ground operation to take over Gaza City, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announcing the "beginning of a new state of combat." While no specific timeline has been given, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to dismantle what he described as the "two remaining Hamas strongholds" in the area.

Residents described the shelling as relentless. "It sounded like the war was restarting," one resident told Reuters. Majed al-Hosary, in Zeitoun, said the attacks had been "extremely intense," adding, "With every strike, the ground shakes. There are martyrs under the rubble that no one can reach."

The humanitarian crisis has deepened, prompting a joint statement from the UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and Japan, declaring that "famine is unfolding in front of our eyes." They demanded "immediate, permanent and concrete steps" to allow aid into Gaza and an end to the use of lethal force near distribution sites.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also made an urgent appeal to Israel to allow it to stock medical supplies ahead of the offensive, warning of a "catastrophic" health situation. "We all hear about 'more humanitarian supplies are allowed in' - well it's not happening yet, or it's happening at a way too low a pace," said Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO representative.

Israel denies that starvation is occurring and has accused UN agencies of failing to distribute aid that has crossed the border. In response to international pressure, Prime Minister Netanyahu outlined a three-part plan to increase aid, including safe corridors and more airdrops.

Meanwhile, the Hamas-run health ministry reported that 100 bodies were brought to Gaza's hospitals in the last 24 hours, with five additional deaths from malnutrition.

Adding to the global outcry, a group of former world leaders known as "The Elders," including former Irish President Mary Robinson and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, have for the first time labeled the situation an "unfolding genocide," accusing Israel of causing the famine.