GAZA – As Israel’s war on Gaza enters its 661st day, the humanitarian catastrophe has reached devastating levels. Despite limited tactical pauses to allow aid, Israeli airstrikes continue, killing at least 62 people today, including 34 civilians who were reportedly seeking aid, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that malnutrition in Gaza has reached “alarming levels”, particularly among children and mothers. “Most victims die before reaching health facilities or shortly after arrival, showing signs of severe wasting,” the WHO said.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are suffering gravely under the blockade. Falestine Ahmed, a mother in Gaza, told Al Jazeera: “I used to weigh 57kg, now I’m 42kg. My son and I both have severe malnutrition. Food is rare and too expensive.”
Meanwhile, the Red Cross described Gaza’s healthcare system as “catastrophic”, treating people shot while waiting for food aid. “Nowhere in Gaza is safe,” said Felicity Gapes, deputy health coordinator for the ICRC.
Over 59,000 Palestinians and 400 Israeli soldiers have been confirmed dead since Israel began bombing Gaza on October 7, 2023, in retaliation for Hamas attacks.
In political developments, former U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel must “make a decision” on the next steps as hostage negotiations remain deadlocked. Some 25 hostages, their bodies, and 1,700 detainees have been exchanged in recent months.
The future governance of Gaza remains unclear. Trump has suggested a U.S. administration of Gaza, while Arab nations have proposed an alternative, gaining support from the UK and EU powers.
Activists on the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla were intercepted by Israel and brought ashore. According to Adalah, Israel is pressuring detainees to accept “voluntary deportation” or face legal detention.
Amid collapsing infrastructure, mass displacement, and international calls for restraint, aid agencies stress that time is running out for Gaza’s population.
