Israel Deepens Gaza Occupation as Starvation and Death Toll Surge

Conditions in Gaza have taken another severe turn as Israeli military operations continue despite growing outrage from human rights groups, regional governments, and international observers.

Local health officials say that in just the past day, eight Palestinians - including three children - have died from hunger, with large parts of the territory still cut off from food and medical aid. Relief agencies warn that shortages are reaching catastrophic levels, with some districts already experiencing conditions similar to famine.

The Gaza Health Ministry now estimates that nearly 61,800 people have been killed during months of Israeli air and ground attacks. Strikes have continued to hit residential neighbourhoods and public infrastructure, prompting rights advocates to accuse Israel of committing large-scale atrocities and deliberately targeting civilians.

Tensions are also mounting beyond Gaza. In the West Bank, a senior far-right Israeli minister has thrown his support behind an expansion of settlements - a move critics say blatantly breaches international law. Meanwhile, Iraq has condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent remarks outlining what Baghdad described as an "expansionist plan" that undermines Palestinian self-determination.

Efforts to secure relief for Gaza's population are ongoing. In Ramallah, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Japan's Deputy Foreign Minister to discuss urgent aid deliveries and potential steps toward reviving political negotiations. Tokyo reiterated its support for humanitarian access and a negotiated two-state resolution.

Despite repeated appeals for a ceasefire and an end to the blockade, Israel's military and political leadership show no indication of changing course, leaving Gaza's already exhausted and displaced population facing what aid agencies call an unprecedented humanitarian disaster.