The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has accused Israel of deliberately inflicting "man-made" and "politically motivated starvation" on Gaza, as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 45 people across the besieged enclave since early Friday.

Philippe Lazzarini’s comments came as the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) reported that its aid stocks in Gaza have now been completely exhausted.

Michael Fakhri, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, said Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza for more than 50 days and continues to "execute this starvation campaign with no repercussions."

Medical sources told Al Jazeera that the daily death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with Israeli strikes hitting several areas overnight.

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, at least 51,439 Palestinians have been confirmed killed and 117,416 wounded since the war began 18 months ago. The Government Media Office in Gaza, however, estimates the death toll to be over 61,700, accounting for thousands still missing and presumed dead beneath the rubble.

The ongoing conflict was triggered by the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed at least 1,139 people and resulted in more than 200 others being taken hostage.

Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned of an escalating famine risk in Gaza amid continued Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries and the widespread destruction of essential infrastructure.

Israel has not responded publicly to the latest UN accusations but has previously said it allows aid into Gaza while holding Hamas responsible for the humanitarian crisis.

BDST: 1306 HRS, APR 26, 2025
SMS