A far-right Israeli minister’s visit to Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, a holy site considered sacred by Jews and Muslims alike, has triggered widespread condemnation. The trip followed the release of videos showing two Israeli hostages being held in dire conditions, fueling pressure on Israel to secure their release.
The Israeli military attacked its headquarters in Khan Younis, killing one staffer and wounding three others, amid rising tensions over humanitarian aid distribution. Palestinian Red Crescent officials said that at least 33 Palestinians seeking food were killed by Israeli fire in Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis.
International criticism is mounting over Israel’s blockade of the territory, which has led to severe malnutrition among children and special needs individuals. The International Committee of the Red Cross called for access to hostages, while Hamas’ military wing said it would respond positively to requests for food deliveries through humanitarian corridors.
The UN Security Council will meet on Tuesday to discuss the crisis, with Israel’s mission seeking an emergency meeting over the Israeli hostages. As tensions escalate, Palestinian leaders and world powers are calling for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Experts warn that Gaza faces “a worst-case scenario of famine” due to Israel’s blockade. The United Nations says 859 people were killed near aid sites from May 27 to July 31, and hundreds more have been killed along the routes of U.N.-led food convoys.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/mideast-wars-gaza-israel-aid-famine-f1653318afd36b1b11090a4402233705