Overview
- U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel Thursday to press for expanded relief efforts and will tour Gaza’s aid distribution hubs alongside Ambassador Mike Huckabee.
- Gaza health officials report that dozens of Palestinians, including children, have died of starvation as only about 270 aid trucks enter daily versus the 500–600 needed.
- President Trump is set to approve a fresh humanitarian aid plan after Witkoff’s briefing, promising increased U.S. support and urging Israel and allies to boost contributions.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects any policy of starvation, blaming Hamas for stealing aid even as U.N. agencies warn a famine is unfolding.
- France announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September and Britain vowed to follow without a Gaza ceasefire, intensifying diplomatic pressure on Israel.