'Partial, biased data': Israel rejects warnings of impending famine in Gaza
Gaza
Israel on Saturday (Nov 9) rejected warnings about a potential famine in northern Gaza, where Israel's military campaign against Hamas has led to severe shortages. This comes as the independent Famine Review Committee (FRC), on Friday (Nov 8), issued a rare alert that an imminent famine in northern Gaza could unfold without urgent intervention from all parties involved.
Meanwhile, as Qatar announced its withdrawal as a mediator in Gaza talks, thousands rallied in Tel Aviv, pressing for an immediate hostage deal.
Also read | Hamas says 'not received' request to leave Qatar amid reports of Doha backing out of Gaza truce talks
'Partial, biased data'
Israel, however, contends that researchers were relying on “partial, biased data” and maintains that its aid efforts have increased, including the opening of an additional crossing on Friday to allow aid into the region.
“Unfortunately, the researchers continue to rely on partial, biased data and superficial sources with vested interests,” said the Israeli military in a statement.
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The United States on Saturday acknowledged the urgency underscored by the FRC's alert. A US State Department spokesperson on Saturday that Washington was “concerned about the limited amount of aid reaching civilians living in Gaza” and that it was urging Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid entry and delivery. Previously, the US had warned Israel that failing to improve humanitarian conditions could lead to restrictions on military cooperation.
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“We have and will continue to make clear to Israel that they must do more to facilitate aid entry and delivery inside Gaza,” said the spokesperson.
Hostage families rally for deal
Meanwhile, the families of hostages still held in Gaza held a rally on Saturday, pressing for an immediate hostage deal and voicing frustration with Qatar's withdrawal as a mediator.
Qatar, which has mediated in previous talks, announced it would pause its role until Hamas and Israel show “seriousness” in talks.
These developments come as official counts from the territory's health ministry report over 43,500 fatalities in Gaza, primarily civilians. Additionally, over 1,200 Israeli casualties were reported from the initial Hamas attack.
(With inputs from agencies)
