Israel has vowed to press ahead with its offensive on Gaza City, even as international concern deepens over mounting civilian casualties and rising famine-related deaths.

Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that the military assault will continue “with full force” until Hamas is defeated, hostages are freed, and Israel secures permanent control of the enclave. He warned Gaza City could be razed if Hamas rejects Israel’s conditions.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed an expanded operation in the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza, targeting militant infrastructure both above and below ground. The military said troops were eliminating fighters, dismantling tunnels, and tightening operational control to prevent Hamas from regrouping.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s health authorities reported at least eight starvation-related deaths in the past 24 hours, including one child. The confirmed famine toll since March has risen to 281, of whom 114 were children. Overall, more than 62,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, local officials added.

On Friday, the UN’s humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher called the confirmed famine “a moment of collective shame.” Speaking in Geneva, he urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to an immediate ceasefire and open all crossings to allow large-scale delivery of food and aid.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has verified that famine is already occurring in Gaza and is expected to spread to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis in the coming weeks. Fletcher stressed that the catastrophe could have been prevented if humanitarian access had not been blocked.