As Israel expands its assault in Gaza, the United Nations has warned that 14,000 babies will die in the next 48 hours if aid doesn’t reach them now.

One aid group said the “ridiculously inadequate amount of aid” Israel was allowing into Gaza was simply “a smokescreen to pretend the siege is over.”

Newly inaugurated Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday made an appeal to end hostility in Gaza and called for humanitarian aid to enter the war-torn territory with reports suggesting a worsening outlook.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel pressed ahead Tuesday with its new military offensive in Gaza despite mounting international criticism, launching airstrikes that health officials said killed at least 85 Palestinians. Israeli officials said they also allowed in dozens more trucks carrying aid.

U.K., France and Canada condemn Israel's Gaza operations, urging a ceasefire and more aid. Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon defends actions and demands hostage release.

Britain pledged on Tuesday 4 million pounds ($5.37 million) in humanitarian aid to Gaza, the government said, as Minister for Development Jenny Chapman visited Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.

The United Nations’ humanitarian chief has defended using the term “genocide” to describe what aid workers are trying to prevent in Gaza.

The United Nations said no aid has reached people in Gaza in dire need of food, water and medical supplies, including baby food, despite dozens of trucks crossing from Israel into the strip after Isra