Gaza War Update Part 2

1. Starvation and Humanitarian Collapse

The blockade imposed since March 2025 halted nearly all aid deliveries, causing food prices to spike over 1,400% . With bakeries shuttered and WFP kitchen stocks exhausted, over 66,000 children suffered severe malnutrition by May—figures that have worsened dramatically . The UN warns Gaza is on the brink of famine, yet formal declaration remains elusive due to data barriers and restricted access .

2. Airstrikes Against Aid Sites

Recent strikes have targeted aid hubs—including a WHO guesthouse—hampering humanitarian operations and endangering workers . These incidents have drawn renewed global censure and calls for accountability.

3. Diplomatic Pressure and Ceasefire Movement

Increasing international calls for a ceasefire have shifted geopolitical dynamics. Though the EU stopped short of sanctions in July, over 30 nations voiced strong condemnation . Washington’s envoy Witkoff is coordinating with Qatar and Egypt in the proposed 60-day pause, linking it to humanitarian and hostage releases . Hamas’s latest submission is reportedly acceptable to Israel, but disagreements over troop placement and humanitarian protocols persist .

4. Gaza’s Governance in Flux

As of July 6, Hamas reportedly lost near-total control of Gaza. The gap has been filled by clan militias and criminal entities, leading to fragmented authority and unpredictability, complicating both aid delivery and security.

Why This Matters

• Humanitarian stakes: Thousands are dying daily from hunger and malnutrition; lack of aid access threatens Gaza's survival.

• Geopolitical implications: The outcome could influence broader Middle East stability and international relations.

• Prospects for peace: Negotiation momentum presents a narrow opportunity to end suffering, release hostages, and build frameworks for long‑term resolution—but only if parties compromise on key humanitarian and military terms.

Key Points

1. Starvation deaths spike

Over the past 24 hours, at least 10 Palestinians—primarily children—have died from starvation, bringing total hunger-related fatalities in Gaza to approximately 111 .

2. Dire malnutrition among children and expectant mothers

UN and MSF reports reveal alarmingly high rates of acute malnutrition: around 2,700 children under five are severely malnourished (triple since March), with pregnant women also showing critical signs of malnutrition and anemia .

3. Aid delivery severely hindered

Humanitarian convoys are blocked at Israeli border crossings despite hundreds of trucks reportedly ready. WHO guesthouses and aid distribution sites have been struck, and restrictions on “dual-use” aid persist .

4. International condemnation intensifies

A coalition of 28 nations and the EU have formally demanded an end to hostilities, unfettered aid access, and a roadmap toward peace .

France, Spain, the UK, and others condemned both the humanitarian impact and Israel’s blockade .

Aid groups—including MSF, Oxfam, Save the Children—warn that Gaza is teetering on famine, describing the crisis as "man-made" .

5. Escalating military operations

Israeli forces continue airstrikes and ground action in central Gaza (e.g., Deir al-Balah), killing dozens—including civilians at aid sites—and displacing tens of thousands more .

6. Evolving ceasefire talks

Hamas has submitted a new response to a ceasefire proposal involving:

A 60-day truce

• Release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners

• Israeli troop withdrawals from certain zones

• Expanded humanitarian aid delivery

• While Israeli officials call the response “workable,” key gaps remain .

7. Global diplomatic efforts ramp up

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is engaged in shuttle diplomacy, moving between Europe, Qatar, and Egypt, with backing from the Hague Group summit in Bogotá, which endorsed measures to pressure Israel

8. Fading Hamas control amid societal collapse

Reports indicate Hamas has lost approximately 80% of its governance in Gaza. Fragmented armed factions and clan-based groups are filling the vacuum, exacerbating lawlessness and internal chaos.

Conclusion

The Gaza situation is now a multi-layered crisis: starvation, mounting civilian casualties, fractured governance, and rising diplomatic pressure. A potential 60-day ceasefire could offer a temporary lifeline—but only if implemented swiftly, with clear provisions for aid, hostages, troop movements, and a transition to sustainable peace. Without meaningful action, Gaza stands on the brink of irreversible collapse.

Gaza Map