Famine scenario unfolding in Gaza, UN-backed body says, as officials say war death toll has topped 60,000

• “Famine thresholds reached”: The “worst-case scenario” of famine is unfolding in Gaza, according to an alert issued today by a UN-backed food security body.

• Trump promises aid: US President Donald Trump said he is “working together” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to get things “straightened out” in the Middle East. This came a day after he said the US will set up “food centers” in Gaza, although he didn’t offer details.

• Death toll climbs: More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel’s war on Hamas began nearly two years ago, Gaza’s health ministry said today. A total of 113 were reported to have been killed in the last 24 hours.

• Genocide accusations: A pair of leading Israeli human rights groups accused Israel of “committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.” An Israeli government spokesperson dismissed the report, saying, “We have free speech in this country but we strongly reject this claim.”

US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and dozens of other Senate Democrats sent a letter Tuesday to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff demanding the expansion of humanitarian aid in Gaza and continued diplomatic efforts to end the war.