‘Famine’, ‘starvation’: the challenges in defining Gaza’s plight

Israel announced the air dropping of aid into Gaza and the opening of humanitarian corridors amid mounting international criticism over the hunger crisis, following a total blockade imposed in March. While some countries, including the UAE and the UK, pledged to contribute to aid efforts, humanitarian leaders remain skeptical about the effectiveness of air drops in addressing the dire situation, citing excessive Israeli restrictions on aid delivery. Want More Context? 🔎

More than 6,000 aid trucks are stranded in Jordan and Egypt, unable to reach Gaza due to Israeli restrictions, according to UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini, who emphasizes that a political solution is needed to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. He countered allegations of aid diversion, citing a USAID report showing no systemic misuse of US-supplied aid, amidst ongoing violence that has resulted in over 59,700 Palestinian deaths since October 2023. Want More Context? 🔎

A Sudanese coalition led by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced a parallel government, intensifying tensions with the army amid an ongoing civil war. The RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), controls much of western Sudan, while the military, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, regains ground in the capital, Khartoum, amidst a humanitarian crisis affecting half the population. Want More Context? 🔎

Arab countries will condemn Hamas and call for its disarmament at a UN ministerial event next week, aiming to encourage European recognition of Palestinian statehood, according to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. This initiative, led by France and Saudi Arabia, includes plans for a post-war roadmap towards a two-state solution and demands for an end to Israeli settlement expansion and the financial blockade on the Palestinian authority. Want More Context? 🔎

Israel announced plans to airdrop food to Gaza and establish humanitarian corridors for UN aid amid escalating famine risks for Palestinians, while the UAE and UK pledged to assist with aid deliveries. Despite these efforts, humanitarian leaders express skepticism about the effectiveness of airdrops, citing the need for more overland aid convoys amidst ongoing Israeli military strikes that have resulted in significant civilian casualties. Want More Context? 🔎

Israel will resume airdrop aid to Gaza on Saturday night, as announced by the Israeli military, following warnings from over 100 aid agencies about the growing threat of mass starvation in the region. The airdrops will consist of seven pallets of essential supplies, including flour, sugar, and canned food, provided by international organizations. Want More Context? 🔎