Famine has been officially declared in Gaza City, the largest city in the Gaza Strip. The United Nations' rights chief has stated that this famine is a direct consequence of Israeli actions. He has warned that the use of starvation as a weapon constitutes a war crime, and the resulting deaths could be considered "wilful killing."
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has confirmed that famine, caused by Israel's complete blockade of aid into Gaza, is already underway in Gaza City. The IPC also warned that famine could soon spread to Deir al Balah and Khan Younis within the next month.
In Haifa, Israeli police detained approximately ten pro-Palestinian protesters on August 21. The protesters were demanding an end to the forced starvation in Gaza and condemning the targeting of journalists by Israeli forces.
The situation is dire. UN officials are warning that the man-made famine could soon affect the rest of the Palestinian enclave.
Israeli forces have been raiding al Mughayyir village, northeast of Ramallah. Troops have stormed numerous homes, vandalized property, assaulted residents, and arrested several young men after imposing a siege on the village.
Several current and former Reuters journalists have voiced concerns about a perceived pro-Israel bias in the agency's coverage of Gaza. A report revealed that an internal review of nearly 500 stories showed a clear preference for Israeli perspectives and casualties, despite the significantly higher losses suffered by Palestinians.
Journalists have criticized Reuters for avoiding the term "Palestine," minimizing expert warnings of genocide, and using euphemisms instead of accurately describing events. Some employees resigned in protest, while others accused management of fostering an editorial culture that "dehumanizes Palestinians" and protects Israel from accountability.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp resigned on August 22 after his government failed to agree on further sanctions against Israel regarding its war on Gaza and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. Veldkamp had advocated for stronger measures, including trade restrictions, but stated he was unable to take meaningful steps to increase pressure on Israel. His resignation follows previous actions banning two far-right Israeli ministers from entering the Netherlands and comes amid increasing calls across Europe for greater accountability regarding Israel's ongoing war on Gaza.
5 Comments
Raphael
Those in power must be pressured to stop these acts. International solidarity is key to ending this crisis.
Leonardo
Blaming Israel for the famine in Gaza is misleading—Hamas has a role in this too. They control resources and aid distribution.
Donatello
UN officials are right to warn us about the consequences of this famine—action is needed before it’s too late!
Rotfront
The resignation of leaders like Veldkamp shows that there is a growing awareness in Europe about the need for accountability.
Matzomaster
There are significant supplies and support reaching Gaza, and the focus on 'famine' feels like a narrative push rather than a factual report.