Israeli Leader Defends Nation's Military Actions to Italian President, Claiming Non-Random Targeting of Enemies
In the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, no new information has been provided about the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Houthis in Yemen or the number of missiles or drones launched by the Houthis since March 18.
Amidst this dire situation, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's aid distribution center in Rafah, southern Gaza. The main focus of their meetings was on providing food for the people of Gaza, who are facing famine-like conditions.
As of early August 2025, most of the Gaza Strip has reached famine thresholds for food consumption, and acute malnutrition is especially severe in Gaza City. Since October 2023, 154 people, including 89 children, have died from malnutrition, mostly since mid-July 2025.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that a large number of people continue to be killed and injured while seeking food in Gaza, under Israeli fire. OCHA reiterates that no one should ever be forced to risk their life to obtain food in Gaza.
International humanitarian and human rights law require distinction between civilians and combatants and strictly regulate the use of lethal force, standards reportedly violated by ongoing Israeli military actions against Palestinian civilians seeking food. The UN and humanitarian experts emphasize that famine in Gaza is a preventable catastrophe that requires immediate ceasefire and scalable humanitarian interventions to provide adequate food aid.
Donald Trump, who expressed a desire to provide food for the people of Gaza, mentioned that Steve Witkoff also had other conversations, but did not specify their content. Israeli President Isaac Herzog defended his country, stating that the army does not kill indiscriminately. However, Human Rights Watch reports that Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire on Palestinians seeking food at aid distribution sites, actions characterized as potential war crimes.
The Israeli defense forces intercepted a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis in Yemen, but no new information was given about the Israeli President Isaac Herzog's statements regarding the country's military actions. No new information was provided about the Arab League's stance on Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, or any new actions or decisions regarding the Palestinian Authority.
Air raid sirens sounded in central Israel and the Jerusalem area after the interception, but no casualties were reported. The situation in Gaza remains critical, with the international community urging for immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and ensure the safety of civilians seeking food and aid.
- Despite the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the ongoing war-and-conflicts between Israel and the Houthis in Yemen continue to be a concern, as the number of missiles or drones launched by the Houthis remains unclear since March 18.
- Amidst the diplomatic efforts to resolve the Gaza crisis, politics also play a significant role in the discussions, with the United Nations emphasizing the need for immediate ceasefire and scalable humanitarian interventions to address the severe General-news of famine.
