Israel faces international pressure as hunger crisis escalates in Gaza

In Gaza, a severe humanitarian crisis has unfolded due to 21 months of ongoing conflict, compounded by a total blockade of aid from March to May. As the situation worsened, Jordanian and Emirati planes dropped food supplies into Gaza on a Sunday in July 2025. This occurred as Israel implemented a limited tactical pause in military operations to allow humanitarian organizations to address the deepening hunger crisis. Continued hostility and military action in the area have made aid distribution extremely challenging, with many Palestinian regions being heavily bombarded, leading to significant casualties. The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by accusations of delayed and blocked humanitarian aid, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denying responsibility for the suffering and insisting that his government is facilitating aid to Gaza. Additionally, the Israeli military has been accused of employing starvation as a weapon, which they dismiss as unfounded allegations. Despite Israel's claims of coordinating with international agencies to increase food and health aid, the United Nations reported that conditions remain dire, with 470,000 individuals experiencing famine-like situations. On the ground, the situation for residents is dire. Many families are struggling to feed their children as the city spirals deeper into despair. Local residents like Suad Ishtaywi expressed their desperation for basic sustenance for their families. The limited airdrop of food supplies has led to chaotic scenes as crowds rush to grab whatever they can, but the volumes delivered are grossly insufficient to meet the overwhelming need. Humanitarian officials have expressed skepticism about the efficacy of airdrops, arguing that they cannot deliver adequate assistance to support over two million inhabitants. As international scrutiny on Israeli military actions intensifies, calls for a ceasefire and the lifting of the blockade have gained momentum. Aid organizations have refused to collaborate with local entities perceived to be aligned with Israeli military objectives, further hampering effective assistance. As the situation continues to develop, concerns about potential war crimes and the human cost of the conflict remain unresolved, with calls for accountability growing louder amid this tragic humanitarian crisis.