Groups flag starvation in Gaza; strikes kill 21

More than 100 charity and human rights groups said Wednesday that Israel's blockade and ongoing military offensive are pushing Palestinians in the Gaza Strip toward starvation, as Israeli strikes killed another 21 people overnight, according to local health officials. More than half of those killed were women and children, health authorities said.

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Desperation is mounting in the Palestinian territory of more than 2 million, which experts say is at risk of famine because of Israel’s blockade and nearly two-year offensive. A breakdown of law and order has led to widespread looting and contributed to chaos and violence around aid deliveries.

More than 100 human rights groups and charities signed a letter published Wednesday demanding more aid for Gaza and warning of grim conditions causing starvation.

Meanwhile, Israel's President Isaac Herzog visited the Gaza strip on Wednesday and told soldiers that there were “intensive negotiations” about returning the hostages in Gaza, adding that he hopes that they will soon "hear good news".

Hamas had handed its response on the ceasefire proposal to mediators, a Palestinian official close to the talks told Reuters on Wednesday.

The Trump administration's West Asia envoy Steve Witkoff was meanwhile set to meet with a senior Israeli official about ceasefire talks.