Israel's aggressive military operations in Gaza relentlessly inflicting suffering, as outlined by the United Nations chief in strong rebuke
In the heart of the Middle East, the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with at least 40 lives lost on Thursday alone, according to reports. The violence has claimed the lives of six individuals who were waiting for aid in the south, as distribution by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has been marred by chaotic scenes and distressing accounts of starving Palestinians being shot while seeking assistance.
The United Nations' World Food Programme head, Cindy McCain, has warned that Gaza is "at breaking point." During her visit to the region, McCain witnessed "desperation soaring" among the population. The UN has now declared a famine in Gaza, citing "systematic obstruction" by Israel of humanitarian aid deliveries.
The GHF, a private organisation backed by the US and Israel, was established to distribute food aid following Israel's easing of restrictions in late May. However, this move has effectively sidelined UN agencies, raising concerns about the sustainability of aid distribution in the region.
McCain has urged for the urgent revival of Gaza's network of 200 food distribution points. Meanwhile, the Israeli military is reportedly preparing to expand operations against Hamas in Gaza City.
The population of Gaza, over two million people, has been displaced at least once during the war. Palestinians are reportedly fleeing south in vans and cars piled high with mattresses, chairs, and bags. The UN has declared a famine in Gaza governorate, which includes Gaza City and its surroundings in the north of the territory.
The Israeli military has severely restricted the aid allowed into Gaza and at times completely cut it off during its offensive against Hamas. The Hamas attack that sparked the war resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli security cabinet are allegedly preparing for potential annexation or military takeover of parts of the Gaza Strip. This includes evacuation of civilians from Gaza City and acceleration of the military offensive, as directed by Netanyahu and approved by the security cabinet in August 2025.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has also been involved in contentious settlement expansions in the West Bank, signalling broader annexation policies. Amidst these political manoeuvres, the violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate.
AFP footage shows massive clouds of smoke rising into the sky above Gaza City after Israeli bombardments of the outskirts of the territory's largest city. The situation in Gaza remains critical, with at least 62,966 Palestinians, most of them civilians, having been killed during Israel's retaliatory offensive, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza that the UN considers reliable.
The plight of the people in Gaza is a pressing concern, with calls for accountability regarding serious violations of international law in Gaza growing louder. The international community must act swiftly to alleviate the suffering in Gaza and work towards a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
