Hamas urges international action against Israeli siege on Gaza

Hamas has called on the international community to act to prevent famine in Gaza, where residents have been under siege for two weeks.

The group's spokesperson, Abdel-Latif al-Qanou, described the Israeli blockade of food, medicine and fuel as a new form of "starvation" in a statement on Thursday.

He warned that if action was not taken, Gaza would face famine during the holy month of Ramadan. Qanou also urged mediators to increase pressure on Israel to open the crossings, allow humanitarian aid in and end the collective punishment of Gaza's residents.