Intense Week in Gaza: Over 370 Palestinians Loss of Life Amidst Israeli Attacks; United Nations Warns of Looming Mass Hunger Crisis
A Week of Carnage in Gaza: Death, Destruction, and Despair
Almost 20 months into the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, the region shows no signs of easing tensions. The past week has instead witnessed a surge in violence, leaving dozens dead and thousands petrified of the future.
During this chaotic week, US President Donald Trump embarked on a Middle Eastern tour, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. There was hope that a ceasefire agreement might be announced or that the US would pressure Israel to engage seriously in negotiations. However, these hopes were not realized, with the US maintaining its stance on potential future involvement in Gaza administration, acknowledging the starvation faced by the Palestinians.
Key Highlights from the Week
Death Toll in Gaza: Recent figures compiled by Al Jazeera estimate that at least 370 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since Sunday, with many of those fatalities being women and children. These numbers represent some of the highest single-day death tolls since the war began in October 2023.
Starvation in Gaza: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza stems from Israel's long-standing blockade of food and medication supplies to the Strip, a decision made when the ceasefire was still in effect and a clear violation of international law. According to a report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) initiative, half a million people in Gaza are facing starvation, and 93% of the population of over 2 million is currently at severe risk. The situation is so dire that Gaza authorities report 57 deaths due to starvation.
International Response: The US has pledged to address the growing hunger crisis in Gaza, backing a new body called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundationaiming to begin work in Gaza by the end of the month. However, the plan has been met with criticism from the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations, who argue that it could lead to further displacement of Palestinians and set a dangerous precedent for warzone aid delivery.
Palestinian Pleas: Palestinians in Gaza have been sharing their distressing accounts of the ongoing violence, urging the world to intervene and halt Israel's bombing campaign. In the Jabalia refugee camp, a civilian pleaded for either "death or life," stating that the homes and infrastructure are being systematically targeted. Taher al-Nunu, a senior Hamas official, called for the US to exert more pressure on Israel to open the crossings into Gaza and facilitate the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and fuel, to Gaza's hospitals.
Israeli Intentions: The Israeli government has refused to negotiate an end to the war in exchange for the release of all Israeli captives held in Gaza, despite significant public support for a prisoner swap. Instead, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks of total victory against Hamas, although it is unclear what such a victory would entail. As the conflict continues, Netanyahu stated that preparations were ongoing for an "intensification of fighting," while Israel intercepted missiles fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels before launching attacks on Yemen itself.
[1] "Gaza death toll from Israeli attacks surpasses 51,000 since 2000 – BBC News," BBC News, 21 June 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-46745338
[2] "Gaza's Buried Dead: The Shocking Numbers," Al Jazeera, 4 May 2025, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/10/gaza-s-buried-dead-the-shocking-numbers
[3] "Gaza unprecedented hunger crisis as 93% of population at risk – UN," Al Jazeera, 27 April 2025, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/27/gaza-unprecedented-hunger-crisis-as-93-of-population-at-risk
[4] "US plans to open Gaza humanitarian foundation by end of May – report," The Times of Israel, 13 April 2025, https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-plans-to-open-gaza-humanitarian-foundation-by-end-of-may-report/
[5] "Gaza killings put death toll at more than 53,000, says health ministry," Middle East Eye, 2 May 2025, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/gaza-killings-put-death-toll-more-than-53000-says-health-ministry
- The war in Gaza, as evidenced by the recent surge in violence and the estimated Death Toll in Gaza of at least 370 Palestinians killed since Sunday, requires an immediate analysis of the escalating conflict and potential strategies for a ceasefire.
- The International Response to the crisis, with the US pledging to address the hunger crisis in Gaza while a new body called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is set to begin work, calls for opinion on whether such measures are adequate, and if they might inadvertently lead to further issues.
- As the health crisis in Gaza deepens, with half a million people facing starvation and 93% of the population at severe risk, the situation demands immediate general-news coverage and increased political attention, considering the pressing need for humanitarian aid and the potential implications for the region and global politics.
