Israel Faces Diplomatic Crisis Amid Gaza Famine
International Pressure Mounts Over Blocked Aid and Civilian Deaths
A severe diplomatic rift looms for Israel as famine grips Gaza, with the government reportedly ignoring escalating international warnings about a deepening humanitarian catastrophe.
Government Accused of Political Motivation in Aid Halt
An Israeli daily, Yedioth Ahronoth, revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s administration decided on March 2 to cease food aid entry into Gaza. This move allegedly disregarded internal assessments highlighting worsening famine conditions and urgent appeals from officials like Gen. Ghassan Alian and numerous relief organizations. Sources cited by the newspaper suggest the decision stemmed not from strategic concerns but from political pressure exerted by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, both known for their far-right stances.
After months of a complete blockade and forced starvation, Israeli forces have allowed limited international aid to enter #Gaza, but not without further attacks on aid seekers.
Survivors of a recent attack in Rafah recall how Israeli soldiers targeted civilians waiting for aid.… pic.twitter.com/ls3R86c3pR
— Euro-Med Monitor (@EuroMedHR) July 31, 2025
The Israeli government was reportedly aware that Gaza was “on the brink of famine,” yet persisted in blocking aid, thereby endangering countless Palestinian civilians.
Aid Seekers Among Thousands Killed
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 1,330 Palestinians seeking aid have died, with more than 8,818 injured since the launch of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in late May. The European Union has issued a stern warning to Israel, hinting at potential suspension of its partnership agreement over the escalating crisis.
“Israel has steered itself into both a humanitarian disaster in Gaza and an impending diplomatic collapse on the global stage.”
— Yedioth Ahronoth
Even the administration of US President Donald Trump, a key ally of Israel, has urged Netanyahu to act, criticizing his delays in decision-making.
Global Leaders Demand Unhindered Access
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday advocated for complete humanitarian access to Gaza, stating that airdrops alone are insufficient. “Israel must allow full humanitarian access to address the risk of famine,” he posted on X.
France starts air-drop of 40 tons of humanitarian aid into Gaza
‘Israel must grant full humanitarian access to address risk of famine’ — Macron
Earlier, Palestinian media reported aid dropped over north Gaza landed in IDF-controlled areas
Fate of Paris’ airdrops also uncertain https://t.co/HdlGicmRNS pic.twitter.com/ZoR3xxVi3L
— RT (@RT_com) August 1, 2025
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney also called for an immediate ceasefire and urged Israel to remove obstacles to aid delivery. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stressed the importance of land routes, stating that airdrops are not a substitute for truck deliveries. “We are urgently calling on the Israeli government to allow the UN and international aid organizations safe access and, above all, safe distribution,” he remarked.
The German government is reportedly considering concrete measures to increase pressure on Israel regarding the dire humanitarian situation. Meanwhile, approximately 50 Belgian organizations have penned an open letter urging political leaders to take immediate action, condemning the “televised genocide” in Gaza.
UNRWA Chief Criticizes Airdrop Inefficiency
Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), criticized the reliance on airdrops as “inefficient, insufficient, and at least 100 times more costly than trucks.” He questioned the prioritization of air deliveries while land crossings remain largely closed. “If there is political will to allow airdrops… there should be similar political will to open the road crossings,” Lazzarini stated, emphasizing that “the only way to respond to the famine is to flood Gaza with assistance.”