Gaza will starve

UN fears as lifesaver deliveries come to halt. Israeli soldier found dead in enclave buried.

-  ANDY LINES

PEOPLE in Gaza are now in danger of starving to death, the United Nations claimed last night.

Lifesaving aid deliveries came to a halt yesterday as communications systems in the strip went down for a second day.

The development came as the funeral of a 19-year-old Israeli soldier took place.

The body of corporal Noa Marciano was found in a building next to Al-Shifa Hospital.

Her mum Adi broke down in tears as she placed her hand on Noa's coffin during an emotional service in Israel.

Cindy McCain, the executive director of the UN World Food Programme, said: "Supplies of food and water are practically nonexistent in Gaza, and only a fraction of what is needed is arriving through the borders.

"Civilians are facing the immediate possibility of starvation.

"There is no way to meet current hunger needs with one operational border crossing.

"The only hope is opening another, safe passage for humanitarian access to bring life-saving food into Gaza. Less than half of the 1,129 trucks that have entered Gaza since the Rafah border crossing opened on October 21 have carried food, and the amount taken in is only enough to meet 7% of people's minimum daily needs.