Political Decisions, Humanitarian Concerns, and Targeted Attacks

When questioned about a potential full military takeover of Gaza, US President Donald Trump stated that the decision would largely rest with Israel. This response followed reports in Israeli media suggesting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was considering such a move as a means to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The situation in Gaza is dire, with food being airdropped while a significant number of aid trucks, carrying essential supplies, are blocked from entering the territory by Israel. Reports indicate that only a small percentage of requested aid has been allowed into the enclave, where over two million people are facing deliberate starvation.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is advocating for the opening of road crossings to facilitate the large-scale delivery of aid throughout Gaza. UNRWA's Commissioner-General has emphasized that if there is a political will to conduct costly and inefficient airdrops, there should be a similar will to open the road crossings for aid delivery.

In other news, a German football club, Fortuna Dusseldorf, abandoned plans to sign Israeli striker Shon Weissman due to fan backlash over his comments regarding Gaza during the ongoing conflict. Weissman had previously made and then deleted statements that were considered offensive.

Furthermore, a report by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) details attacks by Israeli forces and private US contractors against starving Palestinians at food distribution sites in Gaza. The report describes these sites as militarized zones and death traps, rather than places of humanitarian aid. MSF is calling for the dismantling of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation scheme, the reinstatement of UN-led aid coordination, and an end to financial and political support, particularly from the US and private donors.