Gaza Death Toll Rises to 57 Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks
At least 57 people have died in Gaza over the past 24 hours, primarily due to Israeli airstrikes and while seeking aid. The surge in violence coincides with the apparent breakdown of ceasefire negotiations, intensifying a humanitarian crisis marked by widespread starvation. The situation has spiraled as many individuals have been shot while waiting for aid trucks near the Zikim crossing into Israel.
Reports indicate that 124 individuals, including 84 children, have died from starvation-related causes in Gaza. The Palestinian news agency highlighted the plight of an infant who succumbed to malnutrition, marking the third baby death from hunger in just one day. The renewed Israeli strikes have claimed lives across the Gaza Strip, with four fatalities occurring in an apartment building in Gaza City.
Ceasefire Talks Hit Deadlock
The collapse of ceasefire discussions has raised international concerns. Both the United States and Israel withdrew their negotiating teams from Doha on Thursday, further complicating efforts toward peace. President Donald Trump attributed the failure of negotiations to Hamas, asserting that the group is not genuinely interested in a settlement. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at exploring alternative strategies, though details remain unclear.
Hamas officials have denied responsibility for the stalled talks, labeling the US and Israeli withdrawals as tactical maneuvers. Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu expressed disappointment at Trump’s comments, noting that progress had been made prior to the breakdown. The two parties remain divided over key issues, including the positioning of Israeli troops during a ceasefire and the conditions for aid access and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
As negotiations falter, the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens. The World Food Programme has reported that over 90,000 women and children urgently need treatment for malnutrition, with one-third of the population going days without food. Rania al-Sharahi, a pregnant mother of six, shared her harrowing experience of watching her children suffer from hunger. “I dream of eating something sweet, anything sugary that might give me some energy,” she lamented.
Despite the dire circumstances, Israel continues to downplay the severity of the starvation crisis, accusing media outlets of orchestrating a campaign to damage its reputation. Israeli officials claim that aid is available but assert that the United Nations is failing to distribute it effectively. The UN, on the other hand, has cited numerous restrictions imposed by Israel that hinder aid distribution, stating that most of its requests are routinely denied.
Israel has allowed approximately 4,500 aid trucks into Gaza since lifting its total blockade in May, translating to around 70 trucks per day. This figure falls significantly short of the pre-war average of 500 trucks daily, according to UN assessments. In light of the escalating crisis, international pressure has mounted on Israel, prompting its government to announce the resumption of airdropped aid for the first time in months. Jordan will conduct these airdrops, focusing mainly on food and formula for infants.
The humanitarian situation has drawn significant international attention, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicating he is working urgently with Jordan to facilitate British aid to Gaza. Meanwhile, French officials have stated their intent to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly, a move aimed at publicly denouncing Israeli actions in the region.
In contrast, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has indicated that Italy will not recognize a Palestinian state, asserting that such a recognition would be counterproductive. She emphasized her support for a Palestinian state but insisted on the need for established groundwork prior to any formal recognition.
Since the onset of Israel’s military operation in Gaza following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, nearly 60,000 people have reportedly lost their lives. The stark realities of this conflict continue to unfold, with the impact profoundly felt among the civilian population.
