Dhaka, June 29 -- The ongoing Israeli siege of Gaza has led to the deaths of at least 66 children due to malnutrition, according to officials in the Palestinian enclave, as restrictions continue to block essential supplies like milk, nutritional supplements, and food aid.

Gaza's Government Media Office issued a statement on Saturday condemning Israel's escalating blockade and military operations, which they say are deliberately using hunger as a weapon against civilians. Israeli airstrikes have intensified across the territory, killing at least 60 Palestinians, including 20 in Gaza City's Tuffah neighbourhood.

The media office described the blockade as a "war crime" and accused Israel of committing an "ongoing crime against children in ...