Israeli Security Cabinet member Zeev Elkin proposed annexing parts of Gaza to pressure Hamas into accepting a ceasefire deal, stating, "The most painful thing for our enemy is losing lands." This threat directly challenges Palestinian aspirations for statehood and follows Britain’s conditional pledge to recognize Palestine in September unless Israel halts its military campaign and commits to a two-state solution. France made a similar commitment last week, with both moves condemned by Israel as "rewarding terrorism."
Famine now grips Gaza, with the IPC global monitor confirming "worst-case scenario" conditions. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported seven starvation-related deaths overnight, including two-year-old Mekkah al-Gharably, who succumbed to malnutrition despite needing specialized medical care. At least 154 Palestinians, including 89 children have died from hunger since October. Medical staff describe infants "without muscles or fat tissue, just skin over bone," warning of lifelong cognitive damage even if food arrives.
Negotiations remain deadlocked after Israel and the U.S. withdrew from Doha talks last week. Hamas now seeks to spread hostage releases over 60 days instead of the initial eight-day framework, demanding guarantees of a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal. Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages pleaded against recognizing Palestine before their loved ones return, calling it a "dangerous moral failure."
Despite Israel’s announced daily humanitarian pauses, UN agencies report aid volumes remain "critically insufficient." While 100+ trucks entered Gaza in two days, slightly lowering market prices; OCHA noted most supplies were "offloaded by desperate crowds before reaching distribution points." Attacks on aid seekers have killed 758 people since late May, exacerbating the crisis as hospitals overflow with malnourished children.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and the Arab League jointly demanded Hamas disarm and cede control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority. Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned recognition of Palestine would proceed in September unless Israel changes course, emphasizing: "The time for action is now, not after more lives are lost."