The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening as the Israel-Hamas conflict enters its 6th month, and pessimism is growing over the chances of an imminent pause in fighting in the enclave.

Health authorities in Gaza say the conflict has killed 30,800 Palestinians since it started on October 7 last year.

Hamas and mediators Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have held talks for a pause in fighting and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

But The New York Times on Thursday quoted several people briefed on the talks saying negotiations between Israel and Hamas have stalled. The newspaper said that dims hopes for a deal before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan around next Sunday.

A headline in a Palestinian local newspaper also said many differences remain to prevent an agreement in negotiations in Cairo.

Meanwhile in Gaza, health authorities said on Wednesday that the death toll from malnutrition and dehydration in the Gaza Strip has risen to 20.

The authorities cautioned that the number only reflects the people that reached hospitals, and it is believed that dozens more are dying silently from starvation.

Also on Wednesday, South Africa asked the International Court of Justice to take steps to ensure Israel abides by an ICJ order to take every measure possible to prevent acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip, and to make sure that humanitarian aid reach all Palestinian people in Gaza who need it.

The ICJ issued the order in January in response to a South African claim that Israel's military in Gaza is violating the Genocide Convention.

South Africa said Israel has not followed the order, which in January said Palestinians in Gaza were at "immediate risk of death by starvation." South Africa said the situation is much worse now and in the past week alone many Palestinian children died of starvation.