DEIR AL BALAH: Israeli forces killed at least 23 Palestinians seeking food on Sunday in the Gaza Strip, according to hospital officials and witnesses, who described facing gunfire as hungry crowds surged around aid sites as the malnutrition-related death toll surged. Desperation has gripped the Palestinian territory of more than 2 million, which experts have warned is at risk of famine because of Israel’s blockade and nearly two-year offensive.

At least 23 people killed by Israeli troops while seeking aid as Gaza mothers have nothing to feed babies but water.

Efforts to deliver aid to the starving enclave are still being marred by violence and controversy.