Gaza’s Health Ministry stated on Thursday that at least 115 Palestinians have died from starvation in the enclave since Israel initiated its war on Gaza in October 2023. Most of these deaths, which include many children, have occurred in recent weeks.
Israel imposed a complete blockade on Gaza in March and has only allowed limited humanitarian assistance into the territory since late May, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis and warnings of mass famine.
In a statement by the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) on Thursday, it was warned that “families are breaking down” due to the hunger crisis. Agency head Philippe Lazzarini noted that parents are too hungry to care for their children and that individuals reaching UNRWA clinics lack the energy, food, or means to follow medical advice.
The UN humanitarian agency, OCHA, added that Israel is hindering efforts to verify the presence of aid at distribution centers.
Reporting from Gaza City, Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud described the situation as worsening, with Palestinians desperately seeking any available aid. He highlighted that enforced starvation, dehydration, and hunger are affecting the Gaza Strip, with reports of malnutrition and a severe shortage of food supplies and other basic necessities.
“According to health sources, people’s immune systems are collapsing. They are unable to fight the many diseases spreading because their bodies are weakened,” Mahmoud said.
Despite the grim conditions on the ground, international condemnation has continued to intensify. On Thursday, over 60 members of the European Parliament (MEPs) called for an emergency meeting to address actions against Israel in a letter to European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
Lynn Boylan, an Irish member of the European Parliament, accused EU leaders of a double standard regarding Palestinian lives. She stated that Palestinian lives are not valued equally to those of Ukrainians and that speaking out against Israel results in backlash and attacks.
European leaders have expressed growing outrage, with 28 countries condemning the aid blockade and urging an immediate end to the hostilities. The UK government announced that Prime Minister Keir Starmer would hold talks with his German and French counterparts to address the urgent need to stop the killings and provide food to the population.
Breakdown in talks
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, negotiations to end the conflict have once again stalled. US envoy Steve Witkoff announced that his team would be leaving negotiations in Qatar early, following Israel’s withdrawal of its delegation.
In a statement, Witkoff accused Hamas of lacking the desire for a ceasefire. He mentioned that alternative options will be explored to bring home the hostages and create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.
Hamas, which has repeatedly accused Israel of blocking a ceasefire agreement, expressed surprise at Witkoff’s remarks. The organization affirmed its willingness to continue negotiations in a manner that helps overcome obstacles and leads to a permanent ceasefire agreement.
US President Donald Trump has continued to advocate for a deal while supporting the potential displacement of Palestinians from the enclave to nearby countries, raising concerns of ethnic cleansing.
France to recognise Palestine
Late on Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September. This decision aligns with France’s historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
This move makes France the largest and arguably most influential country in Europe to recognize a Palestinian state. The decision was praised by the deputy of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who highlighted France’s commitment to international law and support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.
Israeli officials swiftly condemned the move, with Defense Minister Israel Katz calling it a “disgrace and a surrender to terrorism.” He stated that Israel will not allow the establishment of a Palestinian entity that would compromise its security, existence, and historical rights to the Land of Israel.
