The war between Israel and Hamas has led to large scale destruction in Gaza, including the loss of thousands of lives. And the territory is experiencing severe food shortage due to the conflict. According to an estimate more than half a million residents are facing dire conditions due to food deprivation and mortality.&nbsp;Famine declared in Gaza&nbsp;The United Nation has on a number of occasions said there is a famine-like situation in Gaza and has urged both sides to halt war. However, for the first time the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-supported entity tasked with assessing global hunger, officially declared a famine in Gaza City on Friday.&nbsp;According to IPC, by the end of September the situation could turn even more grim as the famine could spread to other areas, affecting approximately 1.07 million people, who are already facing acute food shortage.&nbsp;Criteria to declare famine&nbsp;In order to declare a famine the IPC says, at least 20% of households must experience extreme food scarcity, 30% of children must suffer from acute malnutrition, and a minimum of two people per 10,000 must die daily of hunger.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-s-former-prime-minister-thaksin-shinawatra-acquitted-of-royal-insult-charges-1755838850929">Thailand's former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra acquitted of royal insult charges</a>&nbsp;The UN backed entity has declared just four famines since being established in 2004. The most recent declaration of a famine by IPC was in Sudan last year.&nbsp;This has come amid Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu intensifying the war in Gaza City, where &nbsp;approximately 500,000 people live.&nbsp;Netanyahu has denied starvation claims&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu has in the past denied accusations that his government is starving Gaza’s civilian population, saying that only hostages held by Hamas are being deliberately deprived of food.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-helicopter-in-colombia-attacked-12-officers-killed-incident-caught-on-camera-1755830278508">Drone attack on police helicopter in Colombia, 12 officers killed; incident caught on camera</a>&nbsp;Speaking at a press conference in early August, Netanyahu claimed the media had relied on Hamas-provided figures and “distorted” the reality on the ground. He blamed Hamas for the crisis, accusing the group of stealing aid intended for civilians.&nbsp; &nbsp;

According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), by the end of September the situation could turn even more grim as the famine could spread to other areas.

The war between Israel and Hamas has led to large scale destruction in Gaza, including the loss of thousands of lives. And the territory is experiencing severe food shortage due to the conflict. According to an estimate more than half a million residents are facing dire conditions due to food deprivation and mortality. Famine declared in Gaza The United Nation has on a number of occasions said there is a famine-like situation in Gaza and has urged both sides to halt war. However, for the first time the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-supported entity tasked with assessing global hunger, officially declared a famine in Gaza City on Friday. According to IPC, by the end of September the situation could turn even more grim as the famine could spread to other areas, affecting approximately 1.07 million people, who are already facing acute food shortage. Criteria to declare famine In order to declare a famine the IPC says, at least 20% of households must experience extreme food scarcity, 30% of children must suffer from acute malnutrition, and a minimum of two people per 10,000 must die daily of hunger. Also Read: Thailand's former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra acquitted of royal insult charges The UN backed entity has declared just four famines since being established in 2004. The most recent declaration of a famine by IPC was in Sudan last year. This has come amid Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu intensifying the war in Gaza City, where approximately 500,000 people live. Netanyahu has denied starvation claims Benjamin Netanyahu has in the past denied accusations that his government is starving Gaza’s civilian population, saying that only hostages held by Hamas are being deliberately deprived of food. Also Read: Drone attack on police helicopter in Colombia, 12 officers killed; incident caught on camera Speaking at a press conference in early August, Netanyahu claimed the media had relied on Hamas-provided figures and “distorted” the reality on the ground. He blamed Hamas for the crisis, accusing the group of stealing aid intended for civilians.

According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), by the end of September the situation could turn even more grim as the famine could spread to other areas.

Gaza is OFFICIALLY in famine, UN-backed body declares. It's only the 5th ever famine since IPC's inception

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said that it had air-dropped aid into the war-torn Gaza Strip in coordination with six other countries, adding that around 126 packages of food were air-dropped for the Gazans in southern and northern Gaza by six countries. Notably, this is the first time a joint operation has been conducted with three European countries.&nbsp;The six countries that were included with Israel were the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Spain, France, and Germany. Last week, Jordan and the UAE airdropped 25 tonnes of aid into Gaza, which was the first airdrop in months.&nbsp;While refuting the starvation claims in Gaza, the Israeli military earlier said that it expanded air efforts to include airdrops to “improve the humanitarian response” and “refute false claims of intentional starvation in Gaza.”&nbsp;However, it is important to note that the airdrops are dangerous and insufficient to manage the increasing hunger and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as per experts.&nbsp;The Gaza aid agencies have stressed that parachuting crates of aid is a risky and inefficient alternative. Juliette Touma, the chief spokesperson for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, said, "Why use airdrops when you can drive hundreds of trucks through the borders?”&nbsp;“It’s much easier, more effective, faster, cheaper,” she added.&nbsp;While Doctors Without Borders called the airdrop parcels "notoriously ineffective and dangerous", which forces people to "risk their lives for food."&nbsp;The United Nations’ humanitarian agency issued a statement in response to Israel's decision to allow airdrops, saying, "All efforts to provide aid to the people who desperately need it are welcome.” However, adding that the group and its partners "say that airdrops are the last resort measure and carry risks for people on the ground.”<h2>How does airdropping aid work?</h2>The military planes carry bundles of supplies and food to airdrop the food aid in Gaza. These supplies are loaded on pallets or flat platforms and are wrapped in netting so that it doesn't fall.&nbsp;These pallets are then attached to parachutes and pushed from the backs of aircraft to reach delivery areas.Some countries were dropping aid in Gaza last year; however, it stopped after some parcels fell and killed and injured people, while also damaging property.&nbsp;Meanwhile, some parcels landed in the sea or even in Israel. Reportedly, last year, at least five Palestinians were killed and many were injured in airdrop accidents, according to Gaza authorities.

The Gaza aid agencies have stressed that parachuting crates of aid is a risky and inefficient alternative. While Doctors Without Borders called the airdrop parcels "notoriously ineffective and dangerous", which forces people to "risk their lives for food."

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said that it had air-dropped aid into the war-torn Gaza Strip in coordination with six other countries, adding that around 126 packages of food were air-dropped for the Gazans in southern and northern Gaza by six countries. Notably, this is the first time a joint operation has been conducted with three European countries. The six countries that were included with Israel were the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Spain, France, and Germany. Last week, Jordan and the UAE airdropped 25 tonnes of aid into Gaza, which was the first airdrop in months. While refuting the starvation claims in Gaza, the Israeli military earlier said that it expanded air efforts to include airdrops to “improve the humanitarian response” and “refute false claims of intentional starvation in Gaza.” However, it is important to note that the airdrops are dangerous and insufficient to manage the increasing hunger and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as per experts. The Gaza aid agencies have stressed that parachuting crates of aid is a risky and inefficient alternative. Juliette Touma, the chief spokesperson for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, said, "Why use airdrops when you can drive hundreds of trucks through the borders?” “It’s much easier, more effective, faster, cheaper,” she added. While Doctors Without Borders called the airdrop parcels "notoriously ineffective and dangerous", which forces people to "risk their lives for food." The United Nations’ humanitarian agency issued a statement in response to Israel's decision to allow airdrops, saying, "All efforts to provide aid to the people who desperately need it are welcome.” However, adding that the group and its partners "say that airdrops are the last resort measure and carry risks for people on the ground.” How does airdropping aid work? The military planes carry bundles of supplies and food to airdrop the food aid in Gaza. These supplies are loaded on pallets or flat platforms and are wrapped in netting so that it doesn't fall. These pallets are then attached to parachutes and pushed from the backs of aircraft to reach delivery areas. Some countries were dropping aid in Gaza last year; however, it stopped after some parcels fell and killed and injured people, while also damaging property. Meanwhile, some parcels landed in the sea or even in Israel. Reportedly, last year, at least five Palestinians were killed and many were injured in airdrop accidents, according to Gaza authorities.

The Gaza aid agencies have stressed that parachuting crates of aid is a risky and inefficient alternative. While Doctors Without Borders called the airdrop parcels "notoriously ineffective and dangerous", which forces people to "risk their lives for food."

'Notoriously dangerous': Why airdrops in Gaza are risky last resort - Know as Israel airdrops 126 packages of aid amid mass starvation

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), an agency backed by the United Nations, issued a dire warning on the hunger crisis unfolding in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war in the Palestinian enclave. It said that the ‘worst-case scenario’ of famine is playing out in the Gaza Strip, just as aid started trickling in after Israel allowed it after days of blockade.<h2>'Thresholds reached': What did IPC say on famine situation in Gaza?&nbsp;</h2>A review report of the IPC said that there is mounting evidence of ‘widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease’, driving a rise in hunger-related deaths.Citing the latest data, it said that 'famine thresholds have been reached for food consumption in most of the Gaza Strip and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City.The latest alert follows IPC's warning in May that 2.1 million people are at ‘critical risk’ of famine and are facing extreme levels of food insecurity.IPC stopped short of formally naming the situation in Gaza as a famine, saying further analysis will be done.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-abandons-gaza-netanyahu-in-charge-of-palestinian-fate-1753461829725/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-abandons-gaza-netanyahu-in-charge-of-palestinian-fate-1753461829725/embed</a><h2>What is IPC, the group that issued a famine alert for Gaza?</h2>IPC is a joint initiative by UN agencies, governments, civil society bodies, and global aid groups to identify famine conditions. The group provides evidence-based analysis of food insecurity and acute malnutrition situations. It uses a standards-based classification system to categorise food security situations. These are: acute food insecurity, chronic food insecurity and acute malnutrition.<h2>What is famine? Why is Gaza facing possible famine?</h2>Famine is defined as a widespread scarcity of food caused by factors including war, natural disasters and crop failure. For a famine to be declared by IPC, the criteria are: extreme lack of food, starvation or destitution for 20 per cent of households;&nbsp; More than 30 per cent of children under five suffer acute malnutrition and two adults or four children out of 10,000 people die from starvation or malnutrition every day. In Gaza's case, it's a man-made disaster, caused by Israel's weeks of aid blockade. Israeli forces and agencies are alleged to have fired at aid distribution centres, and have been blocking aid ships of international NGOs, including one led by activist Greta Thunberg.<h2>Why are Palestinians in Gaza starving?</h2>Israel started airdropping some aid in Gaza on Monday, but that may be too little, too late. Reportedly, thousands of people fought to lay their hands on that aid. Besides the alleged attacks and blockade by Israel, Palestinians have claimed that armed gangs are looting aid vehicles, and then selling the items at higher prices. Reportedly, one kilogram of flour is being sold for $35 in the black market. Most Gazan families can't afford it. Many Palestinian men, women and children have been lining up for food, with some reporting that the Gazans, including children, have not eaten in days.&nbsp;<h2>'Make or break week' for Gazans amid hunger crisis</h2>Global aid agencies and the United Nations have already warned that this week would be ‘make or break’ for Gazans to avert mass deaths due to starvation.They are asking for Israel to reopen border crossings, as small increases in aid are not enough to address the unfolding hunger crisis.&nbsp;Israel, meanwhile, insists that it was not responsible for the shortage of food. It is currently implementing 'tactical' pauses' in hostilities for 10 hours per day in three areas of Gaza.

Palestinians have claimed that armed gangs are looting aid vehicles, and then selling the items at higher prices. Reportedly, one kg of flour is being sold for $35 in the black market.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), an agency backed by the United Nations, issued a dire warning on the hunger crisis unfolding in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war in the Palestinian enclave. It said that the ‘worst-case scenario’ of famine is playing out in the Gaza Strip, just as aid started trickling in after Israel allowed it after days of blockade. 'Thresholds reached': What did IPC say on famine situation in Gaza? A review report of the IPC said that there is mounting evidence of ‘widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease’, driving a rise in hunger-related deaths. Citing the latest data, it said that 'famine thresholds have been reached for food consumption in most of the Gaza Strip and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City. The latest alert follows IPC's warning in May that 2.1 million people are at ‘critical risk’ of famine and are facing extreme levels of food insecurity. IPC stopped short of formally naming the situation in Gaza as a famine, saying further analysis will be done. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-abandons-gaza-netanyahu-in-charge-of-palestinian-fate-1753461829725/embed What is IPC, the group that issued a famine alert for Gaza? IPC is a joint initiative by UN agencies, governments, civil society bodies, and global aid groups to identify famine conditions. The group provides evidence-based analysis of food insecurity and acute malnutrition situations. It uses a standards-based classification system to categorise food security situations. These are: acute food insecurity, chronic food insecurity and acute malnutrition. What is famine? Why is Gaza facing possible famine? Famine is defined as a widespread scarcity of food caused by factors including war, natural disasters and crop failure. For a famine to be declared by IPC, the criteria are: extreme lack of food, starvation or destitution for 20 per cent of households; More than 30 per cent of children under five suffer acute malnutrition and two adults or four children out of 10,000 people die from starvation or malnutrition every day. In Gaza's case, it's a man-made disaster, caused by Israel's weeks of aid blockade. Israeli forces and agencies are alleged to have fired at aid distribution centres, and have been blocking aid ships of international NGOs, including one led by activist Greta Thunberg. Why are Palestinians in Gaza starving? Israel started airdropping some aid in Gaza on Monday, but that may be too little, too late. Reportedly, thousands of people fought to lay their hands on that aid. Besides the alleged attacks and blockade by Israel, Palestinians have claimed that armed gangs are looting aid vehicles, and then selling the items at higher prices. Reportedly, one kilogram of flour is being sold for $35 in the black market. Most Gazan families can't afford it. Many Palestinian men, women and children have been lining up for food, with some reporting that the Gazans, including children, have not eaten in days. 'Make or break week' for Gazans amid hunger crisis Global aid agencies and the United Nations have already warned that this week would be ‘make or break’ for Gazans to avert mass deaths due to starvation. They are asking for Israel to reopen border crossings, as small increases in aid are not enough to address the unfolding hunger crisis. Israel, meanwhile, insists that it was not responsible for the shortage of food. It is currently implementing 'tactical' pauses' in hostilities for 10 hours per day in three areas of Gaza.

Palestinians have claimed that armed gangs are looting aid vehicles, and then selling the items at higher prices. Reportedly, one kg of flour is being sold for $35 in the black market.

FAMINE in Gaza: UN-backed agency issues this alert as Palestinians starve amid Israeli aid blockade

US President Trump said on Monday that the children in the Gaza Strip shown on television “look very hungry” and reiterated that the US has “given a lot of money and food” to Gaza but added that Hamas has stolen much of that aid. There are “a lot of starving people” in Gaza at the moment, Trump told reporters at his Turnberry resort in Ayrshire, Scotland, while addressing media with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer who had called on him.&nbsp;“I mean based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry,” Trump said on being asked if he agrees with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assessment that there is no starvation in Gaza.Starmer then interrupted the US president and said, “It’s a humanitarian crisis. It’s an absolute catastrophe. I think people in Britain are revolted in seeing what they’re seeing on their screens.”The UK PM said they need to get a ceasefire and thanked Trump for leading on that front. Starmer added that they are working with Jordan to get direct aid drops into Gaza.&nbsp;“Other nations are going to have to step up,” Trump said adding that EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told him European nations would “step up” their support substantially.&nbsp;<h2>‘Hamas keeping hostages as shields’</h2>&nbsp;Trump thanked Starmer for helping the US in the release of hostages being held in Gaza but added that Hamas won’t release the final 20 hostages, and “that’s like their shield”.The US president told reporters that the fight between Israel and Hamas “will have to be a little bit different” going forwards.Trump said that he has told Israel’s prime minister Benjmain Netanyahu that he will have to approach the conflict in “a different way”.“A ceasefire is possible,” he said and claimed that six major wars would have been going on if he wasn’t around.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Trump threatens to reduce 50-day deadline for Putin</h2>&nbsp;Replying to a question about Russia’s war in Ukraine, Trump said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have been close to reaching a ceasefire deal five times.“I’ve spoken to President Putin a lot, I’ve gotten along with him very well,” he said, but added that Putin “goes out and starts launching rockets into some city, like Kyiv, and kills a lot of people in a nursing home or whatever, you have bodies lying all over the street”.Trump said he is “very disappointed in Putin” and added that he may reduce the 50 days he has given the Russian president to agree to a ceasefire deal.“I’m going to reduce that 50 days that I gave him to a lesser number, because I think I already know the answer what’s going to happen,” Trump said.&nbsp;<h2>Trump praises Starmer’s stance against illegal immigration</h2>&nbsp;When a reporter asked Trump on what he thinks the UK should do to tackle the small boat crisis, Starmer took a moment to explain the situation to Trump, saying that it’s about “stopping people coming over the channel who shouldn’t be here”.“If you’re stopping immigration and stopping the wrong people, my hats are off to you,” Trump said and praised Starmer’s strong stance against illegal immigration.&nbsp;PM Keir Starmer arrived at Trump’s Turnberry resort in Ayrshire along with his wife Victoria for a bilateral meeting.

US president Donald Trump told reporters that the fight between Israel and Hamas “will have to be a little bit different” going forward. Trump said that he has told Israel’s Prime Minister Benjmain Netanyahu that he will have to approach the conflict in “a different way”.

US President Trump said on Monday that the children in the Gaza Strip shown on television “look very hungry” and reiterated that the US has “given a lot of money and food” to Gaza but added that Hamas has stolen much of that aid. There are “a lot of starving people” in Gaza at the moment, Trump told reporters at his Turnberry resort in Ayrshire, Scotland, while addressing media with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer who had called on him. “I mean based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry,” Trump said on being asked if he agrees with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assessment that there is no starvation in Gaza. Starmer then interrupted the US president and said, “It’s a humanitarian crisis. It’s an absolute catastrophe. I think people in Britain are revolted in seeing what they’re seeing on their screens.” The UK PM said they need to get a ceasefire and thanked Trump for leading on that front. Starmer added that they are working with Jordan to get direct aid drops into Gaza. “Other nations are going to have to step up,” Trump said adding that EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told him European nations would “step up” their support substantially. ‘Hamas keeping hostages as shields’ Trump thanked Starmer for helping the US in the release of hostages being held in Gaza but added that Hamas won’t release the final 20 hostages, and “that’s like their shield”. The US president told reporters that the fight between Israel and Hamas “will have to be a little bit different” going forwards. Trump said that he has told Israel’s prime minister Benjmain Netanyahu that he will have to approach the conflict in “a different way”. “A ceasefire is possible,” he said and claimed that six major wars would have been going on if he wasn’t around. Trump threatens to reduce 50-day deadline for Putin Replying to a question about Russia’s war in Ukraine, Trump said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have been close to reaching a ceasefire deal five times. “I’ve spoken to President Putin a lot, I’ve gotten along with him very well,” he said, but added that Putin “goes out and starts launching rockets into some city, like Kyiv, and kills a lot of people in a nursing home or whatever, you have bodies lying all over the street”. Trump said he is “very disappointed in Putin” and added that he may reduce the 50 days he has given the Russian president to agree to a ceasefire deal. “I’m going to reduce that 50 days that I gave him to a lesser number, because I think I already know the answer what’s going to happen,” Trump said. Trump praises Starmer’s stance against illegal immigration When a reporter asked Trump on what he thinks the UK should do to tackle the small boat crisis, Starmer took a moment to explain the situation to Trump, saying that it’s about “stopping people coming over the channel who shouldn’t be here”. “If you’re stopping immigration and stopping the wrong people, my hats are off to you,” Trump said and praised Starmer’s strong stance against illegal immigration. PM Keir Starmer arrived at Trump’s Turnberry resort in Ayrshire along with his wife Victoria for a bilateral meeting.

US president Donald Trump told reporters that the fight between Israel and Hamas “will have to be a little bit different” going forward. Trump said that he has told Israel’s Prime Minister Benjmain Netanyahu that he will have to approach the conflict in “a different way”.

‘Children in Gaza look very hungry, there are a lot of starving people’, says Trump

On Monday (July 28), Israel resumed a military pause to allow for aid to enter for hundreds of starving and desperate Palestinians in Gaza. As the Hamas-Israel war continues, the pressure is mounting on Tel Aviv to end the humanitarian crisis, with the UN describing it as a ‘make-or-break days ahead’ for Gazans. In the past few days, Israel has faced allegations of using aid distribution as a weapon of war, with 'genocidal intent'. Will Israeli leaders be prosecuted for war crimes in the context of the aid blockade that left scores of children dying due to starvation?<h2>Did Israel use starvation as a weapon of war?</h2>This is an allegation made by rights groups like Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, as well as the United Nations. They have described Israel’s aid blockade in Gaza as a ‘deliberate use of starvation’ to weaken the civilian population of Gaza. This is defined as a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) of the UN. The claims are bolstered by recent statements from some Israeli officials themselves, who claimed that a 'complete siege' of Gaza had been implemented with no food, fuel, electricity or medical care.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-gaza-war-israel-airdrops-aid-in-gaza-amid-starvation-wion-1753640057758/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-gaza-war-israel-airdrops-aid-in-gaza-amid-starvation-wion-1753640057758/embed</a><h2>Collective punishment of Gazan civilians by Israel</h2>The aid blockade is being seen as a collective punishment of Gaza’s civilian population, which is prohibited under IHL. The women, children and men are deprived of basic needs like food and water amid the extensive destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, including hospitals that Israel had bombed during the war that started in 2023 after the Hamas terror attack.<h2>Genocide allegations against Israel over actions in Gaza</h2>According to Amnesty International, Israel's actions in Gaza amount to 'genocidal measures' aimed at physically destroying the Palestinian population by imposing lethal living conditions in Gaza.The rights group, in a 2024 report, concluded that Israel’s actions meet the criteria for genocide under the Genocide Convention. It cited evidence of killings, serious bodily and mental harm, and conditions calculated to bring about the destruction of Palestinians in Gaza.<h2>Gaza war: Israel is already facing cases with genocide aspects</h2>Already, a genocide case against Israel is under review by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which issued orders demanding that Israel allow humanitarian aid access. Separately, the ICC had issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on war crimes charges related to the blockade and associated starvation tactics.<h2>Israel blockade invited widespread condemnation</h2>Besides the UN, several countries including France, UK, Germany and Germany have condemned the Gaza blockade, with the Spanish Prime Minister openly calling it a 'genocide.' The US, under President Donald Trump, has criticised Israel’s actions but stopped short of sanctions.<h2>What Israel says about claims of genocide and using aid as a weapon in Gaza</h2>Israel has rejected accusations of war crimes and genocide, characterising the aid blockade as a necessary security measure aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages and cease armed activities.For its part, the Netanyahu government alleged that Hamas is plundering and diverting aid. Israel claims it only targets Hamas and not civilians, but the situation on the ground is more complicated, with rights groups and international organisations noting the disproportionate burden on civilians caused by the blockade and Israeli military operations.<h2>Future looks grim for Israel once the dust settles in Gaza</h2>Though minimal aid has started entering Gaza, the Israeli actions have caused a devastating humanitarian crisis for Palestinians. The developments may have triggered French President Emannual Macron's move to recognise Palestine state.Without a doubt, after two years of bombardment, the starvation and infrastructure collapse in Gaza is widespread.Legal experts and human rights bodies who insist that Israel’s policies constitute war crimes could pursue their cases even after the war is over.The alleged use of starvation as a method of warfare and collective punishment of civilians with possible genocidal intent will come under scrutiny, particularly when the ICJ and ICC investigate further.

Israel’s blockade of Gaza has drawn serious accusations of violating international humanitarian law (IHL), constituting war crimes with genocidal intent. The Israeli administration could face these charges even after its war with Hamas is over.

On Monday (July 28), Israel resumed a military pause to allow for aid to enter for hundreds of starving and desperate Palestinians in Gaza. As the Hamas-Israel war continues, the pressure is mounting on Tel Aviv to end the humanitarian crisis, with the UN describing it as a ‘make-or-break days ahead’ for Gazans. In the past few days, Israel has faced allegations of using aid distribution as a weapon of war, with 'genocidal intent'. Will Israeli leaders be prosecuted for war crimes in the context of the aid blockade that left scores of children dying due to starvation? Did Israel use starvation as a weapon of war? This is an allegation made by rights groups like Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, as well as the United Nations. They have described Israel’s aid blockade in Gaza as a ‘deliberate use of starvation’ to weaken the civilian population of Gaza. This is defined as a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) of the UN. The claims are bolstered by recent statements from some Israeli officials themselves, who claimed that a 'complete siege' of Gaza had been implemented with no food, fuel, electricity or medical care. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-gaza-war-israel-airdrops-aid-in-gaza-amid-starvation-wion-1753640057758/embed Collective punishment of Gazan civilians by Israel The aid blockade is being seen as a collective punishment of Gaza’s civilian population, which is prohibited under IHL. The women, children and men are deprived of basic needs like food and water amid the extensive destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, including hospitals that Israel had bombed during the war that started in 2023 after the Hamas terror attack. Genocide allegations against Israel over actions in Gaza According to Amnesty International, Israel's actions in Gaza amount to 'genocidal measures' aimed at physically destroying the Palestinian population by imposing lethal living conditions in Gaza. The rights group, in a 2024 report, concluded that Israel’s actions meet the criteria for genocide under the Genocide Convention. It cited evidence of killings, serious bodily and mental harm, and conditions calculated to bring about the destruction of Palestinians in Gaza. Gaza war: Israel is already facing cases with genocide aspects Already, a genocide case against Israel is under review by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which issued orders demanding that Israel allow humanitarian aid access. Separately, the ICC had issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on war crimes charges related to the blockade and associated starvation tactics. Israel blockade invited widespread condemnation Besides the UN, several countries including France, UK, Germany and Germany have condemned the Gaza blockade, with the Spanish Prime Minister openly calling it a 'genocide.' The US, under President Donald Trump, has criticised Israel’s actions but stopped short of sanctions. What Israel says about claims of genocide and using aid as a weapon in Gaza Israel has rejected accusations of war crimes and genocide, characterising the aid blockade as a necessary security measure aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages and cease armed activities. For its part, the Netanyahu government alleged that Hamas is plundering and diverting aid. Israel claims it only targets Hamas and not civilians, but the situation on the ground is more complicated, with rights groups and international organisations noting the disproportionate burden on civilians caused by the blockade and Israeli military operations. Future looks grim for Israel once the dust settles in Gaza Though minimal aid has started entering Gaza, the Israeli actions have caused a devastating humanitarian crisis for Palestinians. The developments may have triggered French President Emannual Macron's move to recognise Palestine state. Without a doubt, after two years of bombardment, the starvation and infrastructure collapse in Gaza is widespread. Legal experts and human rights bodies who insist that Israel’s policies constitute war crimes could pursue their cases even after the war is over. The alleged use of starvation as a method of warfare and collective punishment of civilians with possible genocidal intent will come under scrutiny, particularly when the ICJ and ICC investigate further.

Israel’s blockade of Gaza has drawn serious accusations of violating international humanitarian law (IHL), constituting war crimes with genocidal intent. The Israeli administration could face these charges even after its war with Hamas is over.

Gaza aid blockade:  Israel faces allegations of war crimes, genocide and use of starvation as a weapon of war

After announcing a daily temporary pause in the war in Gaza to allow limited humanitarian aid, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were "no more excuses" for the United Nations (UN), which had said earlier that Israel was not allowing aid into the strip.&nbsp;“To complete this goal, of eliminating Hamas and also the release of our hostages, we are advancing in the fighting and conducting negotiations. Whichever path we choose, on any path, we will have to continue to allow the entry of minimal humanitarian supplies. We have done this until now. But the UN is making excuses and lies about the State of Israel," Netanyahu said in a video message on the social media platform X.&nbsp;"It says: 'We are not allowed to enter with humanitarian supplies.' We are allowing them. There are secure roads. There have been all along, but today it is official. There will be no more excuses," he added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">עדכון ממני אליכם &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/HGp1W5ifF4">pic.twitter.com/HGp1W5ifF4</a>&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1949470064572555441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Jordan, UAE air drop aid into Gaza</h2>Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) began air-dropping aid into the Gaza Strip as Israel announced it would halt military operations for 10 hours a day in parts of the region and allow in air corridors. This was after visuals of starving Gazans alarmed the whole world. The Benjamin Netanyahu-led government has been facing constant backlash on the international level for the "man-made" famine in Gaza.&nbsp;As per the BBC, dozens of empty trucks were seen heading in convoys toward three different locations: Zikim crossing in northern Gaza, Kissufim crossing in central Gaza, and the Kerem Shalom crossing in the far south-east of the Strip.&nbsp;However, the air drops of aid might not be the solution to the issue, as the cargo planes used to drop the aid are not capable enough to carry enough amount of humanitarian aid needed in the strip. As per the official figures released by US Central Command, each C-130 cargo plane carried about 12,500 “meals” per trip. So in order to send meals for each of Gaza’s approximately two million population, around 160 flights would be needed in a single day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After announcing a temporary pause in the war in Gaza, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the UN has no more excuses now, which had earlier claimed that Israel was not allowing humanitarian aid into the strip. 

After announcing a daily temporary pause in the war in Gaza to allow limited humanitarian aid, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were "no more excuses" for the United Nations (UN), which had said earlier that Israel was not allowing aid into the strip. “To complete this goal, of eliminating Hamas and also the release of our hostages, we are advancing in the fighting and conducting negotiations. Whichever path we choose, on any path, we will have to continue to allow the entry of minimal humanitarian supplies. We have done this until now. But the UN is making excuses and lies about the State of Israel," Netanyahu said in a video message on the social media platform X. "It says: 'We are not allowed to enter with humanitarian supplies.' We are allowing them. There are secure roads. There have been all along, but today it is official. There will be no more excuses," he added.

After announcing a temporary pause in the war in Gaza, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the UN has no more excuses now, which had earlier claimed that Israel was not allowing humanitarian aid into the strip.&nbsp;

'No more excuses': Here's what Netanyahu says after allowing 'minimal' aid to Gaza

Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) began air-dropping aid into the Gaza Strip as Israel announced it would halt military operations for 10 hours a day in parts of the region and allow in air corridors. This was after visuals of starving Gazans alarmed the whole world. The Benjamin Netanyahu-led government has been facing constant backlash on the international level for the "man-made" famine in Gaza.&nbsp;As per the BBC, dozens of empty trucks were seen heading in convoys toward three different locations: Zikim crossing in northern Gaza, Kissufim crossing in central Gaza, and the Kerem Shalom crossing in the far south-east of the Strip.&nbsp;However, the air drops of aid might not be the solution to the issue, as the cargo planes used to drop the aid are not capable enough to carry enough amount of humanitarian aid needed in the strip. As per the official figures released by US Central Command, each C-130 cargo plane carried about 12,500 “meals” per trip. So in order to send meals for each of Gaza’s approximately two million population, around 160 flights would be needed in a single day.&nbsp;Jordan and the UAE have around 20 C-130s only. Hence, the issue of hunger remains in the strip, if there were not to be any additional way of sending the aid.&nbsp;'No starvation in Gaza'?&nbsp;The Israeli military on Sunday (July 27) announced “tactical pauses” in fighting for “humanitarian purposes” in parts of Gaza amid rising criticism over the worsening hunger crisis spreading in the Palestinian enclave. The military said it would cease activity in Al-Mawasi, Deir al-Balah and Gaza City from 10 am to 8 pm (0700-1700 GMT) until further notice, areas where it had not renewed ground operations since March, when it resumed its Gaza offensive. Designated secure routes for convoys delivering food and medicine will also be in place permanently from 6 am until 11 pm, the military said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After Israel announced a temporary pause every day in the war in Gaza, Jordan and the UAE began air-dropping humanitarian aid into the strip. But, it might not be the solution to the issue, as cargo planes used to drop aid are not capable enough to carry required amount of aid. 

Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) began air-dropping aid into the Gaza Strip as Israel announced it would halt military operations for 10 hours a day in parts of the region and allow in air corridors. This was after visuals of starving Gazans alarmed the whole world. The Benjamin Netanyahu-led government has been facing constant backlash on the international level for the "man-made" famine in Gaza. As per the BBC, dozens of empty trucks were seen heading in convoys toward three different locations: Zikim crossing in northern Gaza, Kissufim crossing in central Gaza, and the Kerem Shalom crossing in the far south-east of the Strip. However, the air drops of aid might not be the solution to the issue, as the cargo planes used to drop the aid are not capable enough to carry enough amount of humanitarian aid needed in the strip. As per the official figures released by US Central Command, each C-130 cargo plane carried about 12,500 “meals” per trip. So in order to send meals for each of Gaza’s approximately two million population, around 160 flights would be needed in a single day. Jordan and the UAE have around 20 C-130s only. Hence, the issue of hunger remains in the strip, if there were not to be any additional way of sending the aid. 'No starvation in Gaza'? The Israeli military on Sunday (July 27) announced “tactical pauses” in fighting for “humanitarian purposes” in parts of Gaza amid rising criticism over the worsening hunger crisis spreading in the Palestinian enclave. The military said it would cease activity in Al-Mawasi, Deir al-Balah and Gaza City from 10 am to 8 pm (0700-1700 GMT) until further notice, areas where it had not renewed ground operations since March, when it resumed its Gaza offensive. Designated secure routes for convoys delivering food and medicine will also be in place permanently from 6 am until 11 pm, the military said.

After Israel announced a temporary pause every day in the war in Gaza, Jordan and the UAE began air-dropping humanitarian aid into the strip. But, it might not be the solution to the issue, as cargo planes used to drop aid are not capable enough to carry required amount of aid.&nbsp;

Jordan, UAE air drop aid into Gaza after Israel's 'pause' in war. Will it solve the hunger problem?

A severe and fast-worsening hunger crisis is sweeping Gaza, where rates of malnutrition among children under five have tripled in just two weeks, revealed Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The medical charity in a statement on Friday (Jul 25) warned that a quarter of all young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women it screened last week were malnourished. At its Gaza City clinic alone, MSF said the number of patients seeking treatment for malnutrition has quadrupled since May.The organisation directly blamed Israel for what it described as a “deliberate policy of starvation” for the hunger crisis. In a statement, the group said that “Israeli authorities’ deliberate use of starvation as a weapon in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels, with patients and healthcare workers themselves now fighting to survive.”<h2>People dying of hunger</h2>At least 122 people have died of hunger in Gaza, with nine deaths reported in the past 24 hours alone, according to local health officials. However, many believe the true death toll is higher — and growing. The World Food Programme on Friday, echoed the alarm, saying nearly one in three people in Gaza are now going without food for days at a time. The hunger crisis had reached "new and astonishing levels of desperation" it said, adding, "Nearly one person in three is not eating for days. Malnutrition is surging, with 90,000 women and children in urgent need of treatment".Talking to AFP, Naji al-Qurashali, an obstetrician-gynaecologist in Gaza, said that the reported statistics underestimate the harrowing reality. He estimated that at least 50 per cent of the hundreds of pregnant women he saw every day were suffering from malnutrition."The malnutrition situation is unimaginable. Throughout my entire medical career, I never expected, not even in my wildest dreams, that things would reach this level," he said. According to the Gaza doctor the number of miscarriages has increased as starving women struggled to find food to feed themselves.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has directly blamed Israel for what it described as a “deliberate policy of starvation” for the hunger crisis.

A severe and fast-worsening hunger crisis is sweeping Gaza, where rates of malnutrition among children under five have tripled in just two weeks, revealed Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The medical charity in a statement on Friday (Jul 25) warned that a quarter of all young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women it screened last week were malnourished. At its Gaza City clinic alone, MSF said the number of patients seeking treatment for malnutrition has quadrupled since May. The organisation directly blamed Israel for what it described as a “deliberate policy of starvation” for the hunger crisis. In a statement, the group said that “Israeli authorities’ deliberate use of starvation as a weapon in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels, with patients and healthcare workers themselves now fighting to survive.” People dying of hunger At least 122 people have died of hunger in Gaza, with nine deaths reported in the past 24 hours alone, according to local health officials. However, many believe the true death toll is higher — and growing. The World Food Programme on Friday, echoed the alarm, saying nearly one in three people in Gaza are now going without food for days at a time. The hunger crisis had reached "new and astonishing levels of desperation" it said, adding, "Nearly one person in three is not eating for days. Malnutrition is surging, with 90,000 women and children in urgent need of treatment". Talking to AFP, Naji al-Qurashali, an obstetrician-gynaecologist in Gaza, said that the reported statistics underestimate the harrowing reality. He estimated that at least 50 per cent of the hundreds of pregnant women he saw every day were suffering from malnutrition. "The malnutrition situation is unimaginable. Throughout my entire medical career, I never expected, not even in my wildest dreams, that things would reach this level," he said. According to the Gaza doctor the number of miscarriages has increased as starving women struggled to find food to feed themselves.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has directly blamed Israel for what it described as a “deliberate policy of starvation” for the hunger crisis.

'Unimaginable' hunger crisis grips Gaza: In just two weeks, malnutrition tripled among children under 5 years

Israel and the United Nations have publicly blamed each other for the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza, with both sides defending their roles in aid delivery and pointing fingers over who is really responsible for the suffering of civilians.In a statement posted on X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry wrote on Thursday (July 24), “Today, the IDF invited dozens of international journalists to the Kerem Shalom crossing inside Gaza, to see for themselves. Hundreds of aid trucks have entered Gaza with Israel’s approval, but the supplies are standing idle, undelivered. The reason? The UN refuses to distribute the aid. Hamas and the UN prevent the aid to reach the civilians in Gaza. The world deserves to know the truth.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-wants-elon-us-president-denies-destroying-musk-s-companies-in-america-wants-them-to-thrive-1753371173047">Trump wants Elon: US president denies 'destroying' Musk's companies in America</a>According to Israel, large quantities of aid have been delivered to the Gazan side of the border, but remain untouched because the UN is failing to collect or distribute them. The country has repeatedly said it is allowing enough supplies in.<h2>How did the UN respond?</h2>UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric earlier rejected Israel’s version of events and pointed to major obstacles caused by Israel itself. “The Kerem Shalom Crossing is not a McDonald’s drive-through where we just pull up and pick up what we’ve ordered,” Dujarric said during a press briefing.He explained that UN staff need a series of approvals from Israeli authorities just to approach the crossing and that this is made more complicated by ongoing military activity, restricted access and a slow, complex handover process. “There are tremendous bureaucratic impediments. There are tremendous security impediments, and frankly, there’s a lack of willingness to allow us to do our work,” he added.<h2>Why isn’t aid getting through to Gaza?</h2>Getting aid into Gaza is far from simple. Even if trucks manage to enter through heavily guarded crossings, humanitarian groups say Israeli restrictions make it almost impossible to move those supplies further inside the territory. Aid organisations argue there is no shortage of available food and medicine, the problem is distribution. According to them, trucks full of goods are stuck in warehouses, while thousands of Gazans face extreme hunger just a short distance away. Earlier this year, Israel blocked aid from entering Gaza for 11 weeks, saying the move was aimed at pressuring Hamas into releasing hostages.In response to growing criticism of the UN’s handling of aid, Israel and the US launched a controversial initiative called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). It was set up to bypass traditional UN channels and use private security contractors to distribute aid from Israeli-controlled zones.Israel and the US say this method prevents Hamas from seizing aid. But human rights groups and aid organisations have condemned the scheme, accusing Israeli forces of using violence during distributions. The UN says over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops while trying to collect food under the GHF programme.<h2>How bad is the situation on the ground?</h2>According to the World Health Organisation, a large part of Gaza’s population is now starving. International agencies continue to warn of catastrophic levels of hunger and disease as the blockade drags on and basic supplies fail to reach the people who&nbsp;need&nbsp;them&nbsp;most.

Israel and the United Nations are publicly blaming each other for Gaza’s worsening hunger crisis. Israel claims it has allowed many aid trucks into Gaza, but says the UN is refusing to distribute the supplies. Meanwhile, the UN says Israel makes it impossible to access and deliver the aid.

Israel and the United Nations have publicly blamed each other for the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza, with both sides defending their roles in aid delivery and pointing fingers over who is really responsible for the suffering of civilians. In a statement posted on X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry wrote on Thursday (July 24), “Today, the IDF invited dozens of international journalists to the Kerem Shalom crossing inside Gaza, to see for themselves. Hundreds of aid trucks have entered Gaza with Israel’s approval, but the supplies are standing idle, undelivered. The reason? The UN refuses to distribute the aid. Hamas and the UN prevent the aid to reach the civilians in Gaza. The world deserves to know the truth.” Also read: Trump wants Elon: US president denies 'destroying' Musk's companies in America According to Israel, large quantities of aid have been delivered to the Gazan side of the border, but remain untouched because the UN is failing to collect or distribute them. The country has repeatedly said it is allowing enough supplies in. How did the UN respond? UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric earlier rejected Israel’s version of events and pointed to major obstacles caused by Israel itself. “The Kerem Shalom Crossing is not a McDonald’s drive-through where we just pull up and pick up what we’ve ordered,” Dujarric said during a press briefing. He explained that UN staff need a series of approvals from Israeli authorities just to approach the crossing and that this is made more complicated by ongoing military activity, restricted access and a slow, complex handover process. “There are tremendous bureaucratic impediments. There are tremendous security impediments, and frankly, there’s a lack of willingness to allow us to do our work,” he added. Why isn’t aid getting through to Gaza? Getting aid into Gaza is far from simple. Even if trucks manage to enter through heavily guarded crossings, humanitarian groups say Israeli restrictions make it almost impossible to move those supplies further inside the territory. Aid organisations argue there is no shortage of available food and medicine, the problem is distribution. According to them, trucks full of goods are stuck in warehouses, while thousands of Gazans face extreme hunger just a short distance away. Earlier this year, Israel blocked aid from entering Gaza for 11 weeks, saying the move was aimed at pressuring Hamas into releasing hostages. In response to growing criticism of the UN’s handling of aid, Israel and the US launched a controversial initiative called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). It was set up to bypass traditional UN channels and use private security contractors to distribute aid from Israeli-controlled zones. Israel and the US say this method prevents Hamas from seizing aid. But human rights groups and aid organisations have condemned the scheme, accusing Israeli forces of using violence during distributions. The UN says over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops while trying to collect food under the GHF programme. How bad is the situation on the ground? According to the World Health Organisation, a large part of Gaza’s population is now starving. International agencies continue to warn of catastrophic levels of hunger and disease as the blockade drags on and basic supplies fail to reach the people who need them most.

Israel and the United Nations are publicly blaming each other for Gaza’s worsening hunger crisis. Israel claims it has allowed many aid trucks into Gaza, but says the UN is refusing to distribute the supplies. Meanwhile, the UN says Israel makes it impossible to access and deliver the aid.

‘Aid trucks enter Gaza, but supplies are undelivered’: Gaza is starving. Israel blames the UN. The UN blames Israel. What’s really happening?

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Gaza is starving. Israel blames the UN. The UN blames Israel. What’s happening?