Gaza crisis likely at its 'worst', UN warns

Prolonged forced hunger, bombings and Israel's now 50-day blockade on aid have deepened the crisis in Gaza, with the United Nations warning that the situation was likely in its "worst" phase.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a bulletin on Wednesday that Gaza "is now likely facing the worst humanitarian crisis" in the 18 months since Israel's military campaign following Hamas' surprise attack in October 2023.

"Over the past 36 days, since March 18, Israeli forces have escalated bombardment from the air, land and sea across the Gaza Strip and expanded ground operations. This has resulted in hundreds of casualties, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and large-scale displacement," it said.