Global criticism intensified on Saturday following Israel's announcement of a military takeover of Gaza City, sparking one of the largest anti-government demonstrations in Israel in recent months, now nearly two years into the war.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire appear to be gaining momentum. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff was reportedly set to meet with Qatar’s prime minister in Spain to discuss a new proposal, according to officials familiar with the talks who requested anonymity.
Mediators Egypt and Qatar are drafting a new ceasefire plan, which would involve the release of all hostages — dead and alive — in exchange for a complete ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawal, two Arab officials told the Associated Press.
Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to worsen. Health officials reported that Israeli forces killed 20 Palestinians waiting for aid on Saturday, and 11 adults died from malnutrition-related causes within the past 24 hours. Calls for increased food aid are growing louder amid the ongoing siege.
Protests and Global Condemnation
In Israel, thousands gathered in protest, with local media describing it as one of the most significant demonstrations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government since the war began. Families of hostages urged more urgent action, with some calling for a general strike to pressure authorities.
Einav Zangauker, whose son is held hostage in Gaza, pleaded for national action, urging the Histadrut labor union and the wider public to “shut the country down” in protest until hostages are returned.
A joint statement from nine countries — including Germany, France, Canada, and the UK — condemned Israel’s military expansion, warning it could worsen the humanitarian crisis, increase displacement, and violate international law if it leads to annexation or settlement.
More than 20 other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE, echoed similar concerns, calling the Israeli move a "dangerous escalation." Russia warned it would further deteriorate an already dire situation.
The U.N. Security Council has scheduled an emergency session for Sunday to address the crisis.
Aid Seekers Killed, Access Restricted
Multiple fatalities were reported as Palestinians tried to access humanitarian aid. Hospitals in southern and central Gaza said Israeli forces opened fire on aid-seekers, killing at least 11. Witnesses claimed Israeli troops shot at people approaching a distribution site in Gaza’s Netzarim corridor.
In northern Gaza, nine more were reported killed and over 200 injured at the Zikim crossing, according to local health officials. The Israeli military denied involvement and said it was unaware of the incidents.
Despite occasional airdrops, aid deliveries remain insufficient. On Saturday, Italy and Greece joined the airdrop effort, delivering 106 packages. Footage showed packages scattered across the barren terrain, with barefoot children collecting food items spilled onto the ground.
“This is not how humans should be treated,” said Mahmoud Hawila, who said he was stabbed while fighting for an aid package.
Israel claims Hamas routinely diverts aid, although the U.N.-led system managing aid distribution denies the allegation. Aid groups insist more trucks must be allowed into Gaza and safely reach distribution points.
Deaths From Hunger Increasing
With temperatures exceeding 32°C (90°F), displaced families face sweltering conditions in makeshift shelters. Some sleep outdoors, collect water before dawn, and try to stay cool with cardboard fans.
“My children cry all night from the heat,” said Nida Abu Hamad, who is sheltering with her family in Gaza City.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, 11 adults died from malnutrition in the last 24 hours, raising the total to 114 deaths since June. Additionally, 98 children have reportedly died from hunger-related causes since the war began in October 2023, following Hamas's attack that killed around 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 taken hostage.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan accused Israel of deliberately forcing Palestinians into near-starvation conditions to drive them off their land.
These hunger-related deaths are not included in the ministry’s official war death toll of 61,300, about half of whom are reported to be women and children. While Israel disputes the figures, it has not released its own count. The U.N. and independent monitors regard the ministry’s data as the most credible available.