WORLD NEWS – International outcry over intentional starvation of Palestinians in Gaza; legal actions against Israel pursued

Ananya Roy, News Writer

Global condemnation intensified on Wednesday as multiple governments and organizations decried worsening conditions in Gaza. The World Health Organization warned of “mass-starvation,” calling the situation man-made and catastrophic. France attributed the famine risk directly to Israel’s blockade, while EU officials reported aid deliveries remain far below needed levels—only 132 trucks and limited fuel entered Gaza between July 17–21, compared to 500–600 trucks daily before March. The European Commission accused Israel of failing to uphold aid agreements, and several member states pushed for sanctions. Ireland’s deputy prime minister labeled the crisis “an affront to our collective humanity,” and Brazil confirmed it will join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited troops in Gaza and said “intensive negotiations” were underway to secure the release of hostages. Separately, top Netanyahu adviser Ron Dermer is expected to meet with a U.S. envoy in Rome on Thursday for ceasefire talks. Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian protesters in Greece vowed continued action after blocking an Israeli cruise ship’s docking. In a regional shift, Israel and Ukraine announced they would begin cooperating on countering Iran, which they described as an “existential threat.”