Israel’s ongoing blockade of Gaza has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, with at least 155 Palestinians dying from starvation due to restricted access to food and medicine.
Since May, Israeli forces have killed over 1,330 aid seekers, primarily at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution sites, a US and Israel-backed system described as a 'death trap'.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the GHF, stating
I want to call for the cessation of the activities of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the militarised distribution of humanitarian aid that has generated a bloodbath in distribution lines in Gaza, which is a scandal, which is shameful, and has to stop.
The blockade’s devastating impact has drawn widespread international criticism, with reports indicating Israel’s policies are designed to dispossess and displace Palestinians toward southern Gaza.
Global pressure on Israel is intensifying, with Sweden and the Netherlands calling for the European Union to suspend its trade agreement with Israel over its failure to allow humanitarian aid.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated on X:
The situation in Gaza is absolutely appalling, and Israel is failing to fulfil its most basic obligations and agreements on emergency aid.
Portugal, France, and the UK are considering recognizing a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, citing Israel’s actions and threats of annexation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge to block Palestinian statehood has further inflamed tensions, with critics arguing his policies undermine peace efforts.
A Gallup poll reveals US public support for Israel’s Gaza operations has dropped to 32%, reflecting growing anger over civilian suffering.
Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked, with both sides trading blame in recent Doha negotiations.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff’s visit to Israel reportedly aims to push for increased aid access, but Israel’s resistance to external pressure tempers expectations.
An American nurse at Gaza’s Nasser Hospital, Elidalias Burgos, urged Witkoff to visit, saying “Once you see it, you can’t unsee it and if you have a heart, if you are a human being with a heart, you will be heartbroken.”
In the US, a record 27 Democrats supported a failed Senate bid to halt arms sales to Israel, with Senator Bernie Sanders noting, “The American people do not want to spend billions to starve children in Gaza.”
As international calls for accountability grow, Israel’s actions continue to fuel a genocide in Gaza.