Church leaders return with ‘broken hearts’ after rare Gaza visit

A global hunger monitor has reported a famine scenario in Gaza, with rising malnutrition and child fatalities. While Israel has temporarily halted military operations to facilitate aid delivery, only a fraction of the required aid is reaching the region, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis amid severe distribution challenges and escalating violence. Want More Context? 🔎

Had the international community taken a unified stance against Israel's starvation tactics in Gaza, the situation might differ significantly. The recent surge in condemnations, prompted by shocking images of suffering Palestinians, highlights a political ploy rather than genuine concern, as the international system remains complicit in Israel’s ongoing colonization and genocide against the Palestinian people. Want More Context? 🔎

The Israeli army detained at least 30 Palestinians during military raids across the occupied West Bank, part of a broader pattern of systematic collective punishment, according to prisoners' affairs groups. Since the onset of Israel’s conflict on October 7, 2023, over 18,000 Palestinians have been detained, while more than 1,009 have been killed and 7,000 injured in the West Bank amid ongoing violence. Want More Context? 🔎

The Netherlands has labeled Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir as persona non grata due to their incitement of violence and calls for ethnic cleansing in Gaza, while exploring ways to enhance humanitarian aid amid a severe crisis affecting 2.4 million Palestinians. Dutch officials emphasized the need for Israel to comply with international humanitarian law and ensure safe access to aid for Gaza's population, following devastating casualties from the ongoing...

Aid agencies warn that Israel's air drops into Gaza are a "grotesque distraction" from the worsening starvation crisis, with over 100 organizations highlighting mass starvation risks. Despite Israel's military claims of airdropping aid and establishing humanitarian corridors, experts stress that traditional land routes would be more effective for delivering necessary supplies. Want More Context? 🔎

Zaher Birawi, head of the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza, stated that the Freedom Flotilla Coalition's actions have significantly impacted global awareness, with plans for more ships to Gaza. He condemned Israel's seizure of the Handala ship as piracy and criticized the complicity of the U.S. and European nations in supporting Israel's violations of international law. Want More Context? 🔎