Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene his security cabinet this week to determine next steps in Gaza, following the breakdown of indirect ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. Local media reports suggest Netanyahu is leaning towards expanding the military offensive and potentially seizing the entire Palestinian enclave, according to a senior Israeli source.
The development comes as a UN expert who first warned of deliberate mass starvation in Gaza over 500 days ago stated that governments and corporations cannot claim surprise at the unfolding horror. Michael Fakhri, the UN special rapporteur on the right to food, described Israel's actions as 'the most efficient starvation machine you can imagine,' noting that all information has been public since early 2024.
At least 61,020 Palestinians have been killed and 150,671 injured in Israeli attacks since October 7, 2023, according to Gaza's health ministry. In the last 24 hours alone, 87 people, including 52 aid seekers, were killed and 644 injured. Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem warned that if Israel intensifies operations against his group, the Iran-backed faction will resume firing missiles toward Israel.
The British consulate in Jerusalem called for accountability over settler violence and the release of the body of Palestinian activist and journalist Odeh Hathaleen, killed last week in an attack by Israeli settlers. Truck drivers delivering aid in Gaza report increasing danger, with hungry crowds and armed gangs hijacking supplies. The UK has announced a scheme to evacuate critically ill children from Gaza for NHS care.
