Gaza Faces Crisis as Ceasefire Talks Collapse Amid Deadly Onslaught
Starvation claims more lives as Israeli actions intensify and diplomatic efforts falter
Gaza is grappling with a deepening humanitarian catastrophe, marked by escalating Israeli military actions and a breakdown in ceasefire negotiations. Reports indicate a significant loss of life, with civilians seeking aid among the casualties.
Devastating Toll and Dire Warnings
At least 25 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces across Gaza since dawn on Saturday. Thirteen of these victims were reportedly seeking humanitarian assistance, according to hospital sources cited by Al Jazeera.
The crisis is compounded by a surge in starvation-related deaths. Two infants have succumbed to malnutrition, bringing the total number of such fatalities to over 120. Health officials report that more than 80 of these victims are children, a tragic consequence of ongoing military operations and a severe blockade limiting essential supplies.
The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric, issued a stark warning, stating that there is “no excuse for what is happening in Gaza.” She highlighted the extreme human suffering and the erosion of dignity within the enclave.
“The scale of human suffering and the stripping of human dignity have long exceeded every acceptable standard — both legal and moral.”
—Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the ICRC
Spoljaric further revealed that over 350 ICRC staff remain in Gaza, many facing challenges in accessing basic necessities like food and clean water.
Ceasefire Talks Shattered
Efforts to secure a ceasefire have hit a significant roadblock, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump appearing to abandon negotiations with Hamas. Both leaders suggested Hamas was not interested in a deal.
Netanyahu indicated that Israel is exploring “alternative” strategies to retrieve hostages and end Hamas rule, amidst widespread devastation and displacement in Gaza. President Trump expressed a belief that Hamas leaders would be pursued, telling reporters, “Hamas really didn’t want to make a deal. I think they want to die.”
These statements have significantly dimmed immediate prospects for resuming truce talks, intensifying international concern over the worsening hunger crisis. Israel and the United States withdrew their delegations from negotiations in Qatar on Thursday following Hamas’s response to a truce proposal.
Sources initially suggested the Israeli withdrawal was for consultations, but Netanyahu‘s remarks signaled a hardening of Israel’s stance. The proposed ceasefire aimed for a 60-day suspension of hostilities, increased aid delivery, and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Disagreements over Israeli troop withdrawal extent and the post-ceasefire future have stalled progress. Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir supported Netanyahu‘s stance, advocating for a complete aid halt and Gaza’s conquest.
Netanyahu appeared to abandon Gaza ceasefire negotiations with Hamas on Friday, stating that Hamas did not want a deal. https://t.co/9K2N0zP84E
— World News (@WorldNews) July 26, 2024
Widespread Hunger and Aid Blockages
International aid organizations report that severe hunger is now widespread among Gaza’s 2.2 million residents. Aid stocks are depleted following Israel’s initial cutoff of supplies in March and subsequent re-opening with new restrictions in May.
The Israeli military stated it agreed to allow countries to airdrop aid, a move dismissed by Hamas as a publicity stunt. Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the Hamas-run Gaza government media office, argued that Gaza needs open humanitarian corridors and a consistent flow of aid trucks, not aerial maneuvers.
Gaza’s health authorities confirmed nine additional deaths from malnutrition or starvation in the past 24 hours, adding to the recent toll. Israel contends that sufficient food is entering Gaza and blames the UN for distribution failures, a claim the UN disputes, citing Israeli restrictions.
United Nations agencies warned that specialized therapeutic food for severely malnourished children is running critically low in Gaza. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher has reportedly demanded evidence from Israel regarding accusations of UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs staff affiliation with Hamas.
The ongoing Israeli offensives continue to accompany the stalled ceasefire talks. Palestinian health officials reported at least 21 deaths across the enclave on Friday due to Israeli airstrikes and gunfire, including five killed in an attack on a school sheltering displaced families.
In Gaza City, residents mourned journalist Adam Abu Harbid, killed overnight in an attack on tents housing displaced people. His body, draped in his PRESS-marked flak jacket, was carried through the streets. Another journalist, Mahmoud Awadia, alleged deliberate targeting of reporters, which Israel denies.
Statistics of the Conflict
Since October 2023, Israel’s offensive in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 58,667 Palestinians, including 17,400 children. Over 139,974 people have been injured, with more than 14,222 missing and presumed dead.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, as of July 2024, Gaza’s healthcare system is critically strained, with hospitals operating at significantly reduced capacity due to damage and shortages of medical supplies and personnel (OCHA, July 2024).
