What's happened
As of late July 2025, Gaza faces a worsening humanitarian crisis with over 120 starvation deaths since October 2023 amid an Israeli blockade and ongoing military strikes. Aid distribution is hampered by violence, with over 1,000 Palestinians killed near aid sites. Ceasefire talks remain stalled, while international criticism mounts over the blockade and aid access.
What's behind the headline?
Humanitarian Crisis Engineered by Blockade and Conflict
The unfolding famine in Gaza is not merely a byproduct of war but a consequence of deliberate policies and military strategies. Israel's blockade, tightened since March 2025, restricts essential supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, creating conditions described by UN officials as "deliberate mass starvation." The use of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US-backed aid distributor, has been widely criticized and rejected by major UN agencies and aid groups for failing to meet humanitarian principles and for being linked to deadly violence at aid sites.
Aid Distribution Under Fire
More than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed while attempting to access aid, with Israeli forces and contractors accused of firing on civilians near distribution points. This has transformed aid sites into "death traps," undermining trust and access to humanitarian relief. The UN and other agencies have refused to cooperate with the GHF, calling for established organizations like UNRWA to resume aid operations.
Political Stalemate and Ceasefire Deadlock
Despite ongoing negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt, ceasefire talks remain stalled. Israel demands the elimination of Hamas and the release of hostages, while Hamas insists on Israeli withdrawal and safe aid access. US envoy Steve Witkoff's recent withdrawal from talks signals deepening impasse. Israeli leadership remains firm on military objectives, complicating prospects for peace.
International Response and Shifting Sentiment
International condemnation of the blockade and humanitarian crisis is growing, with European leaders calling for urgent action and France set to recognize Palestine at the UN. Within Israel, public opinion shows signs of shifting, with human rights groups labeling the situation as genocide and university presidents urging action to address Gaza's hunger crisis.
Forecast
Without a breakthrough in ceasefire negotiations and a lifting of the blockade, the humanitarian situation will deteriorate further, with starvation deaths rising and infrastructure collapsing. The continued militarization of aid and violence at distribution points will exacerbate civilian suffering and undermine international relief efforts. The conflict's protraction risks deepening regional instability and international tensions.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post highlights a notable shift in Israeli public opinion, citing Israeli human rights groups B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel using the term "genocide" for the first time, and university presidents urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to address Gaza's hunger crisis. It also notes US President Donald Trump's rare criticism of Netanyahu's denial of starvation in Gaza.
Al Jazeera provides detailed accounts of starvation deaths, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting 122 deaths from malnutrition, including 83 children, and condemns the blockade as "deliberate mass starvation." It reports on the UN's refusal to cooperate with the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) due to safety and impartiality concerns, and documents the ongoing violence at aid distribution points.
The New Arab focuses on protests in the US against the GHF, accusing it of complicity in the deaths of over 1,000 Palestinians at aid sites. It presents activists' claims that the GHF is a "death trap" and a "hoax" that endangers civilians, demanding its closure.
SBS and The Independent report on the rising death toll from starvation and Israeli strikes, including attacks on water distribution points and markets, emphasizing the dire shortages of food and baby formula. They also cover the stalled ceasefire talks and the political complexities surrounding the conflict.
The Times of Israel offers the Israeli military perspective, acknowledging a missile strike that missed its target and killed civilians, and reports on Prime Minister Netanyahu's firm stance against Hamas and the ongoing military offensive. It also covers the stalled ceasefire negotiations and the political pressures within Israel.
Together, these sources provide a multifaceted view of the crisis: the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the contested nature of aid delivery, the political deadlock, and the evolving international and Israeli public discourse.
How we got here
The conflict began in October 2023 after Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and abducting 250. Israel responded with a military offensive and blockade on Gaza, severely restricting aid and supplies. Since March 2025, a near-total blockade has caused widespread food shortages and starvation, exacerbated by ongoing Israeli strikes and contested aid distribution methods.
Go deeper
- What is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and why is it controversial?
- How are ceasefire talks progressing between Israel and Hamas?
- What is the international community doing to address the Gaza humanitarian crisis?
Common question
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What is the current situation in Gaza?
The conflict in Gaza remains intense, with ongoing Israeli airstrikes causing widespread destruction and civilian suffering. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, negotiations have stalled, leaving many questions about the future of the region. Here’s what you need to know about the latest developments, the humanitarian crisis, and the prospects for peace.
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What’s happening in Gaza right now?
The conflict in Gaza has escalated dramatically, with Israeli military strikes causing widespread destruction and a mounting civilian toll. Ceasefire negotiations have stalled, leaving many wondering what the future holds for the region. Below, we explore the current situation, why talks are failing, and what it means for civilians caught in the crossfire.
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What Is Causing the Escalation in Gaza?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has intensified recently, leading to a worsening humanitarian crisis. Many are asking what has triggered this escalation and what it means for civilians and international efforts. Below, we explore the key causes, the impact on civilians, and the prospects for peace.
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What Are the Main Global News Stories Today?
Staying updated with the latest headlines helps you understand what's happening around the world. From conflicts and political investigations to economic shifts and tragic accidents, today's news covers a wide range of urgent issues. Below, you'll find answers to common questions about the most pressing stories and how they connect globally.
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What’s Happening in Gaza and Pakistan Right Now?
Recent events in Gaza and Pakistan have captured global attention. Gaza faces intense conflict and humanitarian crises amid ongoing Israeli strikes, while Pakistan is battling severe floods caused by heavy monsoon rains. These crises raise urgent questions about safety, aid, and future prospects. Below, we explore the key facts and answers to the most common questions about these urgent situations.
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Gaza Crisis: What’s Happening and Why?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a worsening humanitarian crisis, with civilians suffering from food shortages, water scarcity, and ongoing military strikes. Many are asking what the current situation is, why aid access is so difficult, and whether a ceasefire might be possible soon. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about this urgent crisis to help you understand what’s really happening and what might come next.
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Why is Gaza facing a famine now?
Gaza is currently experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, with a rising death toll from starvation and shortages of essential supplies. Many wonder what has caused this dire situation and what can be done to help. Below, we explore the key reasons behind Gaza's famine, the challenges in delivering aid, and the prospects for peace.
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What’s happening in Gaza, Sudan, and Syria right now?
The humanitarian crises unfolding in Gaza, Sudan, and Syria are some of the most urgent and complex issues today. From severe food shortages and starvation in Gaza to ongoing violence and displacement in Sudan, and escalating conflict in Syria, these crises are drawing international concern. If you're wondering about the latest developments, causes, and responses, this page provides clear answers to your most pressing questions.
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What Is the Current Situation in Gaza, Sudan, and Syria?
The ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Syria are causing widespread humanitarian crises, political instability, and international concern. Many people are asking how these conflicts are affecting civilians, what the prospects for peace are, and how the world can help. Below, we explore the key questions and provide clear answers to better understand these complex crises.
More on these topics
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to:
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has
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Steven Charles Witkoff is an American real estate investor and landlord based in New York City, and founder of the Witkoff Group.
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The Palestinian people, also referred to as Palestinians or Palestinian Arabs, are an ethnonational group comprising the modern descendants of the peoples who have lived in Palestine continuously over the centuries and who today are largely culturally and
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, known in the West as simply Palestinian Islamic Jihad, is a Damascus-based Palestinian Islamist organization formed in 1981.
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Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.
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Philippe Lazzarini (French: [filip lazaʁini], Italian: [fiˈlip laddzaˈriːni]; born 1964) is a Swiss humanitarian who has been serving as Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.