Famine under way in Gaza, UN-backed experts say | First Thing

<p>It comes as Donald Trump reduced deadline for Russia to move towards ending Ukraine war. Plus, eastern US swelters in heatwave</p><p>Good morning.</p><p>Famine is unfolding in Gaza, where Israeli restrictions on food aid and ongoing fighting have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/29/famine-gaza-israel-war-starvation-hunger">produced a “worst-case scenario”</a>, UN-backed hunger experts have said, calling for immediate intervention to save lives.</p><p><strong>What did the UN World Food Programme’s emergency director say?</strong> “This is unlike anything we have seen in this century,” said Ross Smith, addressing reporters in Geneva via video link from Rome. “It reminds us of previous disasters in Ethiopia or Biafra in the past century. We need urgent action now.”</p><p><strong>This is a developing story.</strong> Follow our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/jul/29/aidrops-aid-futile-msf-israel-gaza-war-middle-east-latest-news-updates">live coverage of the Middle East crisis here</a>.</p><p><strong>What do we know about the shooter so far?</strong> Jessica Tisch, the New York City police commissioner, said the gunman, identified as Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old Las Vegas resident with a history of mental illness, had driven cross-country to New York in recent days. Tisch said the gunman opened fire on the 33rd floor. The gunman then went to the stairwell and shot himself, she said.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/29/first-thing-famine-under-way-in-gaza-un-backed-experts-say">Continue reading...</a>