29/07/2025
🇵🇸 Current Situation in Gaza
Famine and Starvation: Gaza is experiencing what the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) calls a “worst-case scenario of famine”. Over 500,000 people are enduring famine-like conditions, and one in three Gazans are going days without food.
- Child Deaths: More than 17,000 children have died since the war began, and malnutrition-related deaths are rising rapidly. Children are reportedly too weak to cry, and hospitals are overwhelmed.
- Healthcare Collapse: Only 17 of 36 hospitals are partially functioning. Medical staff are fainting from hunger, and fuel shortages are crippling ambulances and incubators.
- Water Crisis: 95% of Gaza faces water insecurity. Contaminated water is increasing disease risk.
UN Measures and Response.
Humanitarian Pauses: Israel has agreed to daily 10-hour pauses in military operations to allow aid delivery, but the UN says this is not enough to prevent famine.
UN Criticism: UN officials have warned of genocide, starvation as a weapon, and systematic dismantling of Gaza’s health and life-sustaining systems.
Aid Access Issues: The UN refuses to work with the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), citing concerns over neutrality and forced displacement.
Italian Ship for Gaza Relief
The Handala, a repurposed Norwegian fishing trawler, set sail from Italy carrying food and medical supplies for Gaza.
It was intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters, and 21 crew members including European lawmakers and activists were detained.
Israel claimed the ship was attempting to “illegally enter” Gaza’s maritime zone, while activists say it was a peaceful humanitarian mission.
Why the U.S. and Its Allies Defend Israel
Strategic Alliance: The U.S. sees Israel as a key ally in the Middle East, sharing intelligence, military cooperation, and democratic values.
Domestic Politics: Support for Israel has strong bipartisan backing in U.S. politics, influenced by lobbying groups and public opinion.
Security Concerns: The U.S. and allies often justify support by citing Israel’s right to self-defense, especially after Hamas’s October 7 attacks.
Criticism and Divergence: Despite backing, some allies like France have announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state, and the Netherlands has banned entry to two Israeli ministers over incitement concerns.
Humanitarian Pressure: President Trump recently acknowledged “real starvation” in Gaza, contradicting Israeli claims and suggesting the U.S. may set up “food centers” in the enclave.