The United Nations says that lack of humanitarian aid means famine is a growing risk in Gaza, where 2.4 million people are under near-total siege by the Israeli military, as it battles Hamas militants.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday he was "appalled" by the conflict continuing in Gaza despite the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Speaking after the failure of attempts to negotiate a ceasefire, Guterres called for "silencing the guns" in Gaza and warned that "hunger and malnutrition" are taking hold. "This is heartbreaking and utterly unacceptable," Guterres told reporters.
The 7 October attack was a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas. US President Joe Biden called for a temporary ceasefire ahead of Ramadan but his call went unanswered as Muslims in Gaza marked the start of the one-month holiday on Monday. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong posted to X on Monday evening, saying she sends the Australian Muslim community her "best wishes" as they observe the holy month of Ramadan.
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