**Malnutrition Crisis Deepens in Gaza**
The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that malnutrition has reached epidemic proportions in the Gaza Strip, with 90,000 women and children urgently needing treatment. This comes as nine more people died from starvation on Friday, bringing the total number of deaths since the beginning of the war to 122.
**Israel Blames Hamas for Malnutrition**
The Israeli government claims that there are no restrictions on aid entering Gaza, but blames Hamas for the malnutrition crisis. However, a senior Israeli security official announced on Friday that Israel may allow airdropping of aid into Gaza in coming days, despite warnings from aid agencies that this method is inefficient.
**International Pressure Mounts**
The United Nations has called the move to airdrop aid a “distraction from inaction” by the Israeli government. Germany, France, and the UK have demanded that Israel immediately lift restrictions on aid entering Gaza, calling for an end to the humanitarian disaster in the territory. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed his disappointment at the lack of action from the international community.
**War Crimes Allegations**
A US security contractor who worked with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) between May and June 2025 has come forward with allegations of war crimes committed by Israeli forces and US contractors against civilians. The contractor reported witnessing the use of live ammunition, artillery rounds, and tank fire against civilians at food distribution locations.
**Future of Ceasefire Talks Uncertain**
The future of talks to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages remains uncertain after the US and Israel retracted their negotiating teams. Hamas has expressed surprise at the US remarks that they do not “really want to make a trade.” The negotiations had been ongoing despite the Israeli military operation in Gaza, which was launched as a response to a Hamas attack on southern Israel.
**Humanitarian Crisis Worsens**
The shortages of fuel, food, and medicine have worsened in Gaza despite the partial lifting of the blockade. The population has been displaced more than 90% of the time, with homes damaged or destroyed. The UN estimates that more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed trying to get food since May.
**Recognition of Palestinian State**
France announced on Thursday that it would officially recognize a Palestinian state in September, angering Israel and its main ally, the US. Over a third (35%) of UK MPs sent a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging him to follow suit. Sir Keir said that such a move was not imminent but would be part of a wider plan leading to a two-state resolution.
Read More @ www.bbc.com
