Mass starvation spreading across Gaza, aid agencies warn, as pressure on Israel grows – Middle East crisis live
Guardian2 days
Over 100 Aid Groups Warn of 'Mass Starvation' in Gaza
Above: A Palestinian man collects food from a humanitarian aid distribution point in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, on Sunday, July 20, 2025. Image copyright: Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Israel needs to let more aid into Gaza. Though Israel's security concerns are legitimate, the fact that Palestinians are starving to death is unacceptable. Allowing in a token amount of aid, which Israel has done since May, has not significantly improved the humanitarian situation. Indeed, both sides need to make concessions so that a ceasefire can be fully implemented and the hostages are returned.
Pro-Israel narrative
In contrast to the ludicrous claims made by pro-Hamas activists, Hamas has systematically stolen aid and caused Gaza's humanitarian crisis. Israel has even released video evidence of Hamas members looting aid trucks, yet international agencies continue to falsely claim that Hamas is not involved. Since day one, the primary driver of Gaza's suffering is Hamas.
Pro-Palestine narrative
It should be clear after almost two years of grinding brutality that Israel's true goal is to destroy Gaza and starve its people. Indeed, starvation is an integral part of Israel's genocidal campaign. Children are starving to death in their mothers' arms, yet the United States and international community have failed to end this travesty.