In urging greater efforts to pursue global peace, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the council: “Around the world, we see an utter disregard for — if not outright violations of — international law” as well as the U.N. Charter.

JERUSALEM — Israel hit back on Wednesday at growing international criticism that it was behind chronic food shortages in Gaza, instead accusing Hamas of deliberately creating a humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.

Aid groups warn of ‘mass starvation’ in Gaza amid blockade, while Israeli attacks kill dozens of others across enclave.

More than 100 aid organisations and human rights groups warned on Wednesday that "mass starvation" was spreading in Gaza, as the United States said its top envoy was heading to Europe for talks on a possible ceasefire and aid corridor.

Gaza is facing a severe food crisis, with more than 100 humanitarian aid agencies warning that the population is on the brink of starvation.

Dozens of international humanitarian organizations warned Israel’s blockade of aid into Gaza is endangering the lives of doctors and aid workers, while a major news agency says it is trying to evacuate its remaining freelance journalists because the situation has become “untenable.

In a statement signed by 111 organizations, including Mercy Corps and Refugees International, the groups warned that mass starvation was spreading.

More than a hundred aid organizations warned Wednesday that “mass starvation” was spreading in Gaza under Israeli assault and aid restrictions.

U.N. officials, aid groups and experts have warned for months that Palestinians in Gaza are on the brink of famine without formally declaring one.

Rev. Johnnie Moore, who leads the beleaguered U.S. and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, said Gaza Palestinians are starving, but the blame lies with Hamas, the United Nations and other aid organizations.