Israel strikes kill 40 in Gaza ahead of UN vote

Israel killed 40 more Palestinians in Gaza as the UN prepares to vote on a ceasefire.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepened as four more Palestinians died of acute malnutrition within the last 24 hours, raising the death toll from Israel’s starvation policy to 435, including 147 children, according to local health authorities. At the same time, Hamas issued a global call for mass protests on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to demand an end to what it described as Israel’s genocide in Gaza and the blockade that has triggered famine. The group urged “all free people” to escalate demonstrations worldwide against starvation, forced displacement, and ongoing attacks. The statement encouraged rallies outside Israeli and US embassies, while also urging unions, students, and lawmakers to increase pressure campaigns aimed at reopening border crossings and allowing humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.

Hamas further called for support of the next humanitarian flotilla sailing toward Gaza and warned Israel against targeting it, saying the coming days should mark “a new phase” of global mobilisation. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council is preparing to vote on a new draft resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, increased humanitarian access, and the unconditional release of hostages. The draft has been pushed forward by the 10 non-permanent members of the Council after the UN formally declared famine in Gaza following nearly two years of Israeli military operations.

Diplomatic sources revealed that earlier drafts focused only on humanitarian aid access, but the latest version also presses for a ceasefire respected by all parties. However, there are concerns that the resolution may still face resistance, particularly from the United States, which has previously vetoed similar measures.