Israel issued fresh evacuation orders for densely populated areas of central Gaza on Sunday, signaling a possible expansion of its military operations amid warnings of an intensifying hunger crisis.

The Israel Defense Forces dropped leaflets over Deir al-Balah, urging civilians to flee neighborhoods where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have taken shelter. The military claimed these areas had not yet been targeted in the current conflict and said the move was part of efforts to “destroy enemy infrastructure.”

However, the order raised alarm among families of Israeli hostages believed to be held in the area. “Can anyone promise us this decision won’t cost us our loved ones?” read a statement by hostage families, criticizing the army’s expansion plans.

Hunger and Casualties Escalate

The announcement came as medical sources reported that at least 30 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured in Israeli fire while waiting for humanitarian aid trucks near Al Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza. Another 45 Palestinians were killed in separate Israeli strikes across the enclave.

Hospitals reported being overwhelmed by patients suffering from malnutrition and exhaustion. “Hundreds of people whose bodies have wasted away are at risk of imminent death due to hunger,” said the Gaza Health Ministry, warning that aid has all but collapsed.

Local reports say residents in Gaza are surviving on one meal or less per day, with prices of basic food items such as flour rising far beyond what most can afford.

UN Demands Aid Access

The United Nations and its refugee agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, have called on Israel to allow the entry of more aid trucks, stating it has enough food to feed the entire population for months but is being denied access.

“Israeli authorities are starving civilians in Gaza,” UNRWA stated on Sunday. “Among them are one million children. Lift the siege: allow UNRWA to bring in food and medicine.”

Israel denies it is obstructing aid, instead accusing Hamas of diverting supplies — a claim Hamas rejects. Israeli officials also say the UN has failed to collect aid shipments awaiting delivery.

Ceasefire Talks Stalled

The new evacuation orders and continued bombardments come amid indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Doha, with U.S. mediation. The talks aim to secure a 60-day truce and a hostage-prisoner exchange deal, but no breakthrough has been reported.

The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has left over 58,000 Palestinians dead, displaced nearly all of Gaza’s population, and destroyed much of its infrastructure, according to Palestinian officials.