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Weekly bulletin of the most important news from Gaza: August 17-23, 2025

Sawa News Agency publishes a detailed weekly bulletin highlighting the most important field and political developments related to the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Israel, covering the period from August 17 to 23, 2025.

August 17

Palestinian Prime Minister in Cairo to discuss Gaza ceasefire.

The Palestinian government announced that Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa will meet today, Sunday, with his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly during a visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, to discuss halting the aggression and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

According to the government’s statement, the Prime Minister will also meet with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty at the Cabinet headquarters to discuss the catastrophic humanitarian and medical situation in the Gaza Strip, as well as Egypt’s efforts to reach a ceasefire and ensure the entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip.

Mustafa and Abdelatty will also hold a joint press conference at the Rafah border crossing on Monday, after inspecting the crossing area and the warehouses designated for storing humanitarian and relief aid directed to the Gaza Strip.

Egypt dispatches 16th aid convoy to Gaza.

The Arab Republic of Egypt, on Sunday morning, sent a humanitarian aid convoy to the besieged Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing, in order to meet the growing needs and alleviate the burden on Gaza’s residents who are facing dire living conditions.

According to Cairo News Channel, the aid trucks lined up in preparation to cross into the Strip, carrying hundreds of tons of various relief materials.

It added that the 16th “Zad Al-Ezzah” convoy includes tons of food supplies, flour, medical necessities, and essential relief materials needed by the Strip.

Death toll from starvation and malnutrition in Gaza rises to 258.

The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip recorded 7 deaths due to malnutrition in the past 24 hours, including two children.

According to a statement issued by the ministry on Sunday, the total number of victims of famine and malnutrition has risen to 258, among them 110 children.

UNRWA: Current aid system worsening famine in Gaza.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warned on Sunday that the Israeli-American aid system in Gaza strips humanitarian assistance of its essence and brings chaos and death.

UNRWA indicated that replacing the UN-led system with a local institution driven by political motives is one of the reasons behind the worsening famine in the Strip.

The agency called for a return to a unified coordination and distribution system led by the United Nations, in accordance with international humanitarian law, to ensure the delivery of essential aid and the protection of civilians.

Israel releases 6 detainees from Gaza.

The Israeli occupation authorities released on Sunday six detainees from the Gaza Strip, all of whom had been arrested during the ongoing aggression on the Strip since October 7, 2023.

The International Committee of the Red Cross stated that its teams facilitated the release of the six detainees, transferring them from the Kisufim crossing to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital and coordinating contact with their families.

Gaza negotiations: Meeting in Cairo to address Israeli intransigence.

The Egyptian capital, Cairo, is hosting on Sunday, August 17, 2025, a meeting that brings together officials from Egypt, Qatar, a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya, and leaders of Palestinian factions.

A well-informed Palestinian source told Al Araby TV that the meeting will discuss ways to pressure Israel amid the intransigence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding mediators’ efforts.

According to the same source, the meeting is being held at the invitation and with the participation of Egyptian intelligence chief, Major General Hassan Rashad.

Netanyahu insists on security control over Gaza, rejects calls to end war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that maintaining Israeli security control over the Gaza Strip is one of his government’s conditions for ending the war, stressing that Hamas firmly rejects this.

In press remarks on Sunday, Netanyahu said: “Anyone calling for an end to the war without eliminating Hamas only strengthens it, delays the possibility of freeing the hostages, and ensures a repeat of October 7.”

He emphasized that protesters demanding an end to the war are strengthening Hamas, adding that an Israeli army withdrawal from the Strip would allow the movement to regroup.

Death toll from Israeli assault on Gaza rises to 61,944.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Sunday that the death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 61,944 most of them women and children since the beginning of the Israeli assault on October 7, 2023.

In its daily report, the ministry added that the number of injuries has reached 155,886 since the start of the assault, while many victims remain under the rubble, with ambulance and civil defense teams unable to reach them.

The ministry noted that Gaza hospitals received 47 martyrs (including 9 retrieved from under the rubble) and 226 wounded during the past 24 hours. It further reported that since March 18, when Israel violated the ceasefire agreement, there have been 10,400 martyrs and 43,845 wounded.

Egypt reaffirms rejection of displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

The Arab Republic of Egypt, on Sunday, August 17, 2025, reiterated its firm rejection of the displacement of Palestinians, calling on states not to take part in this heinous crime.

In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is “deeply concerned over recent reports of Israeli consultations with some countries regarding the acceptance of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip into their territories, as part of a rejected Israeli policy aimed at emptying the Palestinian land of its people, occupying it, and liquidating the Palestinian cause.”

The statement clarified that Egypt, through its communications with countries reportedly considering accepting Palestinians, confirmed that it does not agree to such reprehensible schemes.

Indonesia and Denmark participate for the first time in airdropping aid to Gaza.

Israeli Army Radio reported on Sunday that Indonesia and Denmark, for the first time since the start of the airdrop operations, took part in delivering aid parcels over the Gaza Strip.

According to the data, Indonesia dropped 32 parcels, while Denmark dropped 16 parcels, noting that “every 30 parcels are equivalent to one truck entering by land.”

Gaza: 65 martyrs, including 41 waiting for aid.

Palestinian medical sources reported on Sunday evening, August 17, 2025, that 65 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured in Israeli airstrikes and gunfire in various areas of the Gaza Strip since dawn today.

The medical sources clarified that among today’s victims are 41 martyrs who were shot dead by Israeli forces while waiting for aid in the northern and southern Gaza Strip.

IDF Chief of Staff approves plans to occupy Gaza City.

Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (Kan 11) reported that IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi approved plans to occupy Gaza City during a special meeting held in the Gaza Division with Southern Command leaders and senior General Staff officers.

The meeting was also attended by senior officials from the army’s Hostage Directorate, who emphasized the need to minimize harm to hostages, some of whom are believed to be in Gaza City.

According to the report, a study day will be held tomorrow for combat officers ranked major and above who are expected to take part in the ground maneuver. On Tuesday, the plans will be submitted for approval to Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, and later in the week presented to the Security Cabinet.

An Israeli source said that an evacuation plan for civilians will be presented to the Americans at their request.

The stages of the plan are outlined as follows Humanitarian effort: establishing humanitarian complexes in southern Gaza with basic infrastructure including tents, food, water, and clinics.

Mass evacuation: wide-scale evacuation of Gaza City residents according to current plans, expected to last at least two weeks.

Ground maneuver: beginning a ground maneuver to besiege Gaza City while evacuation continues.

Final stage: gradual entry of Israeli forces into Gaza City to occupy it, with slow advancement supported by airstrikes.

Estimates suggest the occupation of Gaza City will take around four months.

August 18

Very Positive – Hamas Submits Response to Latest Mediators’ Proposal.

Hamas confirmed on Monday, August 18, 2025, that it had delivered its response to the latest ceasefire proposal presented by mediators regarding the war in Gaza.

According to sources cited by Al-Araby TV, Hamas handed over its response to the Qatari and Egyptian mediators after consulting with other Palestinian factions. The movement reportedly conveyed a positive response to the proposal.

Meanwhile, Saudi channel Al-Hadath revealed details of the new proposal presented to Hamas. Sources told the channel that the ceasefire plan includes: The release of 10 Israeli hostages alive and 18 bodies. The entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza through international organizations, including the Red Crescent and the United Nations. A 60-day ceasefire.

The sources also confirmed that negotiations to end the war would begin once the ceasefire takes effect.

Egypt & Qatar: Ongoing Gaza Truce Efforts, Reject Displacement.

Egypt and Qatar reaffirmed on Monday their continued efforts, in coordination with the United States, to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

During a meeting between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, both sides stressed their rejection of any displacement of Palestinians from their land.

According to a statement from the Egyptian presidency, the talks also highlighted the urgent need to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza without obstacles, alongside efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

Gaza Health Ministry Publishes Latest Casualty Statistics.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Monday, August 18, 2025, that the death toll from the Israeli offensive has risen to 62,004 martyrs and 156,230 injuries since October 7, 2023.

In its daily report, the ministry said that in the past 24 hours, Gaza hospitals received 6 martyrs and 344 injuries.

Regarding casualties among those seeking aid, the ministry reported that hospitals received 27 martyrs and 281 injuries over the past 24 hours. This brings the total number of people killed while trying to obtain food aid to 1,965 martyrs and more than 14,701 injuries.

The ministry also confirmed that Gaza hospitals recorded 5 deaths, including 2 children, in the past 24 hours due to famine and malnutrition. This raises the overall toll from hunger-related causes to 263 deaths, including 112 children.

Health Ministry: Hemophilia Medicines and Plasma En Route to Gaza.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced on Monday, August 18, 2025, that a shipment containing medicines for hemophilia patients, along with 3,000 units of plasma and other blood derivatives, is on its way to the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, the ministry explained that this is the eighth shipment as part of the “Our Blood is One” donation campaign. The shipment was prepared last night at the Central Blood Bank in Ramallah and will be delivered—through coordination with the World Health Organization to treatment centers in Gaza.

Five Dead, Including Two Children, in Gaza Due to Famine Within 24 Hours.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Monday that five people, including two children, died in the past 24 hours as a result of malnutrition and famine in the Gaza Strip.

In its daily report, the ministry noted that the total death toll from famine and malnutrition has now risen to 263, including 112 children.

Washington: Visa Process for Gaza Applicants Under Review After Recent Suspension.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Washington will reassess the mechanism for issuing visitor visas to applicants from Gaza, following the recent suspension of the program.

In an interview with CBS on Sunday, Rubio said the review would specifically cover the process of issuing visas for children from Gaza and their accompanying adults.

He claimed that “evidence” presented to Congress suggested that some organizations involved in facilitating visa applications had close ties with Hamas. “We will not cooperate with groups aligned with Hamas,” he added.

Rubio confirmed that the program has been temporarily frozen while the U.S. administration reevaluates how visas are reviewed and whether these organizations play any role in the application process.

Gaza Government Media Office: Only 266 Aid Trucks Entered in Three Days.

The Government Media Office in Gaza announced on Monday that only 266 aid trucks entered the Strip over the past three days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), out of an expected 1,800 trucks.

In a statement, the office said that the majority of the trucks’ cargo was looted in a deliberate state of chaos, which it accused Israel of creating as part of a policy of “engineering hunger and disorder” aimed at undermining the resilience of the Palestinian people.

The office also reported that over the past 22 days, a total of 1,937 aid trucks entered Gaza, compared to the actual need of around 13,200 trucks.

Palestinian PM from Rafah Crossing: Temporary Committee to Manage Gaza Affairs Will Be Announced Soon.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa said that the continuation of the Israeli offensive must not grant any local or international party the legitimacy to impose unilateral arrangements on the Gaza Strip.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty at the Rafah border crossing on the Egyptian side, Mustafa praised Egypt’s efforts to deliver humanitarian and relief aid to Gaza.

He reaffirmed that Gaza is an inseparable part of the State of Palestine, that the Palestine Liberation Organization is the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, and that the Palestinian government is the only authorized executive body to manage Gaza’s affairs, just as in the West Bank.

Mustafa stressed that the Palestinian government is ready and capable of shouldering its responsibilities toward the people of Gaza despite the enormous challenges in cooperation with regional and international partners, the private sector, and civil society organizations, within the framework of the national strategy.

The Prime Minister announced that a temporary committee will soon be formed to administer Gaza’s affairs, under the authority of the Palestinian government. He emphasized that it will not be a new political entity, but rather a mechanism to reactivate the functioning of Palestinian state institutions in Gaza, in line with the Basic Law and in accordance with Arab summit and international resolutions.

He vowed to block any attempts to undermine the national will or the Arab and international consensus on the unity of Palestinian national institutions in both Gaza and the West Bank, and on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on all Palestinian territory.

Mustafa also affirmed that President Mahmoud Abbas is leading political and diplomatic efforts with the support of Arab and international partners and organizations to end the Israeli offensive, prevent displacement, and reunify Gaza and the West Bank under the framework of Palestinian state institutions and the PLO.

He stressed the government’s continued commitment to providing essential services for the people of Gaza including education, healthcare, water, and electricity through tens of thousands of employees working in the Strip.

The Prime Minister confirmed ongoing coordination with Egypt to prepare for a reconstruction conference in Cairo as soon as possible, aimed at rebuilding Gaza in partnership with Arab and international allies, based on the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza, which has received regional and international endorsement.

Finally, Mustafa stressed that Rafah crossing must serve as a “gateway of life,” not as a tool of Israel’s blockade. He said that Israel’s continued closure of Rafah and its obstruction of thousands of aid trucks waiting to enter the Strip is the clearest evidence that Israel is starving the Palestinian people in preparation for their displacement and to block the establishment of a unified, independent Palestinian state.

Egypt: 17th Aid Convoy Begins Moving Toward Gaza.

Egypt’s Cairo News Channel reported that the 17th aid convoy, named “Zad Al-Ezzah” (Provision of Dignity), has begun moving in preparation to enter the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Abu Salem crossing.

The channel said that the trucks, lined up and ready to cross, are carrying humanitarian aid provided by the Egyptian Red Crescent, including food baskets with essential supplies.

Australia Cancels Visa of Israeli MK Simcha Rothman.

Australia has cancelled the entry visa of Israeli Knesset member Simcha Rothman from the Religious Zionism party for a period of three years. Rothman had been scheduled to visit the country on Tuesday to meet with the Jewish community.

Australian Interior Minister Tony Burke told Sky News that the government would prevent “anyone spreading messages of hate and division” from entering the country. He added: “If you come to Australia carrying such messages, you are not welcome here.”

Burke confirmed that Rothman will not be able to reapply for a visa for three years, stressing his government’s firm stance against any attempts to sow division, in order to ensure that everyone in the country feels safe.

Amnesty International Accuses Israel of Deliberate Starvation Policy in Gaza.

Amnesty International issued a new report on Monday, August 18, 2025, presenting conclusive evidence that Israel is implementing a deliberate starvation policy against the population of the Gaza Strip.

The organization stressed that this policy is designed to systematically undermine the health of Palestinian civilians and the fabric of society, amounting to serious violations of international humanitarian law.

Netanyahu: Hamas Under Heavy Pressure, We Discussed Plans for Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday, August 18, 2025, that he discussed with Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir “plans regarding the city of Gaza and the completion of missions,” stressing that Hamas is “under heavy pressure.”

In a video statement released by his office, Netanyahu said: “Today I visited the Gaza Division. I met there with the army’s top command, and I expressed great appreciation for the tremendous achievements of the IDF.” He emphasized the need to “complete the decisive battle against Hamas and secure the release of all our captives.”

Netanyahu added: “I spoke with the Defense Minister and the Chief of Staff about our plans for Gaza City and the completion of our missions.” He concluded: “Just as you hear reports in the media, I also hear them, and from them one conclusion can be drawn Hamas is under heavy pressure.”

Zamir: We Are at a Turning Point, Aiming to Intensify Strikes in Gaza.

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said on Monday, August 18, 2025: “We are in the midst of an ongoing, unprecedented multi-front battle. We are at a turning point in the war, moving toward the next stage of Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots,’ which focuses on deepening the strikes against Hamas in Gaza City.”

Zamir described the war against Iran as a “historic operation” that proved even what was once thought impossible could be carried out. He said Operation Gideon’s Chariots has achieved many results: shaping the reality in Gaza, defeating Hamas in the areas where the army has operated, laying the groundwork for the next steps, and strengthening the security of southern Israeli communities.

He added: “We are preparing and approving the plans. All units must be ready for continued operational developments. We will act with strength and professionalism, as we have until now. We will continue working to create the conditions for the release of our captives, and we will make every decision responsibly and seriously.”

Gaza – Protest Against Ongoing War and Forced Displacement

Dozens of Palestinians took part on Monday in a protest in central Gaza City, demanding an end to the ongoing Israeli war of extermination against the Strip and affirming their rejection of displacement, stressing that they will remain in Gaza “no matter the cost.”

Participants raised banners condemning Israeli threats of besieging and occupying what remains of Gaza City, warning of the “catastrophic” consequences for residents and their remaining homes and property.

They firmly rejected any new wave of displacement, stressing: “We will not leave Gaza again.”

Protesters also called on mediators to act urgently and work seriously to “save what is left of Gaza City before it faces further destruction and ruin.”

August 19

An Israeli Minister Visited the UAE Secretly to Discuss the War on Gaza.

Israel’s public broadcaster Kan 11 revealed on Tuesday morning that Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, recently paid a “secret, unannounced” visit to the United Arab Emirates, accompanied by a high-level delegation.

According to the report, Dermer and his delegation held meetings with Emirati officials that focused on the war in Gaza, as well as on security issues and bilateral political relations. Dermer’s office, when asked for comment, merely stated: “We will not comment on the matter.”

GHF Launches New Aid System in Gaza.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) backed by the United States and Israel this week launched a new system that allows families in Gaza to pre order humanitarian aid according to household size. This replaces the old “first-come, first-served” method previously used at distribution centers.

According to the foundation, families will register online and each participant will receive a personalized ID card with their photo and unique number. The system is designed to reduce overcrowding, prevent chaotic rushing for aid, and enable direct communication with families about distribution schedules, deliveries, and urgent updates.

Heal Palestine Criticizes U.S. Visa Ban for Gazans.

The U.S.-based charity Heal Palestine strongly criticized the U.S. State Department’s decision to suspend visas for Palestinians from Gaza.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the organization said that the measure “will harm wounded children who are seeking treatment under short-term U.S. medical visas.”

Gaza: 3 New Adult Deaths from Malnutrition Reported.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Tuesday that three new deaths among adults were recorded in the past 24 hours due to famine and malnutrition in the Strip.

With these cases, the total death toll from famine and malnutrition since the beginning of the crisis has risen to 266, including 112 children, according to the ministry.

Cyprus Sends 1,200-Ton Aid Ship to Gaza.

On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Cyprus dispatched a 1,200-ton humanitarian aid ship to Gaza through Israel’s Ashdod Port.

The Cypriot Foreign Ministry stated that the shipment, which had already been pre-screened, would not undergo additional security checks upon arrival in Ashdod. The international humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen will serve as the consignee and distributor.

It added: “The entire operation is carried out under the auspices of the United Nations delivery mechanism.”

Qatar: Ceasefire Proposal Includes Permanent End; Awaiting Israel’s Response.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said Tuesday that Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim took part in talks in Alamein, Egypt, to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza.

Al-Ansari explained that Qatar and Egypt have received Hamas’s response to the proposal, which outlines a path toward a permanent ceasefire, calling it “the best that can be offered at this stage.”

He added that Doha and Cairo are still awaiting Israel’s reply, noting that “there is no set timeframe, but Israel is reviewing the proposal, and we hope the response will be swift and positive.”

UN Urges Wide-Scale Delivery of Aid in Gaza.

The United Nations said on Tuesday that humanitarian workers must be enabled to deliver aid to Gaza on a wide scale.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated in the organization’s daily press briefing in Geneva:

“To prevent deaths caused by Israeli-induced starvation, humanitarian workers must be able to deliver food on a wide and continuous scale through all available crossings and routes to reach the enclave’s 2.1 million residents, half of whom are children.”

He added: “We are concerned by the Israeli authorities’ announcement of an imminent expansion of their military activities in Gaza City.”

60 Palestinians Killed in Gaza Within 24 Hours.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Tuesday evening that the death toll in the Strip has risen to 62,064, the majority of them women and children, since the start of the Israeli assault on October 7, 2023.

In its daily report, the ministry added that the number of injuries has climbed to 156,573 since the beginning of the war, while many victims remain trapped under the rubble, unreachable by ambulance and civil defense teams.

According to the statement, hospitals in Gaza received 60 martyrs (including two whose bodies were recovered) and 343 wounded in the past 24 hours.

The ministry also noted that since March 18, 2025, when Israel violated the ceasefire agreement, there have been 10,518 martyrs and 44,532 wounded recorded.

Islam Al-Koumi Raises Gaza Journalist Death Toll.

The Government Media Office in Gaza announced on Tuesday the killing of journalist Islam Al-Koumi, an editor and content creator working with several media platforms. His death raises the number of journalists killed since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza to 239.

In its statement, the office stressed that Israeli forces are deliberately targeting Palestinian journalists in a “systematic manner,” holding Israel, the U.S. administration, and its supporting countries such as Britain, Germany, and France fully responsible for what it described as “heinous crimes.”

Finland: Waiting for the Right Moment to Recognize the State of Palestine.

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen announced on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, that her country is waiting for the right moment to officially recognize the State of Palestine.

Earlier this month, Finnish President Alexander Stubb expressed his readiness to approve recognition of Palestine if his government submitted an official proposal on the matter, condemning the inhumane situation in the Gaza Strip.

August 20

Israel has not responded to the Gaza truce proposal.

Egyptian sources confirmed today, Wednesday, that Israel has not yet responded to the mediators’ proposal for a truce in Gaza, despite 48 hours having passed since it received the proposal.

The sources told Cairo News Channel that intensive Egyptian contacts are ongoing with the concerned parties to urge Israel to respond positively to the mediators’ truce proposal in the Gaza Strip.

Earlier, Egyptian sources told Cairo News Channel that Israel had not sent its response to the mediators’ proposal which Hamas accepted even after 24 hours of receiving it.

The Egyptian sources explained that the mediators’ proposal, which Hamas accepted, would come with American guarantees and under the sponsorship of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Katz approves plan to occupy Gaza City.

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, on Tuesday evening, approved a plan to occupy Gaza City following consultations with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir at the Ministry of Defense headquarters in Tel Aviv.

The meeting included senior military and security officials and was based on the decision issued by the Security Cabinet (the Ministerial Committee for National Security Affairs).

Channel 12 Israel reported that the military operation, named “Chariots of Gideon 2”, aims to carry out a series of operations inside Gaza City according to the strategy adopted by the military leadership.

Gaza Civil Defense: Fuel crisis persists and hinders humanitarian response.

The Palestinian Civil Defense in Gaza confirmed on Wednesday that the severe fuel crisis continues, as it has received only one-tenth of its monthly fuel needs since the beginning of August, which hinders the humanitarian response in the Strip, facing a genocide for 22 months.

In a statement, the Civil Defense said: “The severe fuel crisis remains unresolved. We received only 1,500 liters of fuel from humanitarian organizations at the beginning of this month.”

It explained that the overall monthly need for fuel amounts to 15,000 liters in order to respond to humanitarian calls.

Egypt: Time has come for swift and decisive action to deter Israeli aggression.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Wednesday that the time has come to take “decisive and swift” measures to deter Israeli aggression.

This came in a speech delivered by Madbouly on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during the Peace and Stability session at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), according to a statement from the Egyptian Cabinet.

The statement said Madbouly highlighted the Palestinian cause, which has always been a top priority for Egypt and the African Union.

Madbouly stressed that the time has come “not only to condemn Israeli aggression and its systematic policy of genocide and eliminating the Palestinian cause, but also to take swift and decisive actions to deter it, including the recognition of the State of Palestine,” without providing further details on the nature of these measures.

deaths due to famine and malnutrition in the past 24 hours.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Wednesday the death of 3 citizens as a result of famine and malnutrition, recorded in Gaza Strip hospitals during the past 24 hours.

The ministry reported that the total number of victims of famine and malnutrition has risen to 269 martyrs, including 112 children.

Gaza Health Ministry announces toll of Israeli aggression on the Strip.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, released the latest statistics on the number of victims of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

In its daily report, the ministry announced that the death toll from the Israeli aggression has risen to 62,122 martyrs and 156,758 injuries since October 7, 2023.

It noted that hospitals in the Gaza Strip received 58 martyrs (including 2 recovered bodies) and 185 injuries during the past 24 hours.

Regarding aid-related victims, the ministry confirmed that in the past 24 hours alone, hospitals received 22 martyrs and 49 injuries, bringing the total number of “bread seekers” (aid victims) who arrived at hospitals to 2,018 martyrs and more than 14,947 injuries.

Hospitals in the Gaza Strip also recorded 3 deaths due to famine and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of such deaths to 269, including 112 children.

Palestinian Red Crescent participates in evacuating 110 patients from Gaza to the UAE.

On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, teams from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society took part in evacuating 110 patients and companions from the Gaza Strip to the United Arab Emirates for treatment, in coordination with the World Health Organization.

The patients were transported by Red Crescent ambulances to the Al-Mawasi field hospital, where they spent the night receiving medical care and shelter. The society’s mental health team also carried out recreational activities for the children and their families to ease their suffering before travel.

On Thursday morning, the Red Crescent’s medical and technical teams completed the procedures of accompanying the patients until their departure, as part of ongoing humanitarian efforts to ensure they receive the necessary treatment amid the catastrophic health conditions in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli army reveals details of attempted soldier abduction in Khan Younis this morning.

Israeli Army Radio reported on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the details of an attempted abduction of soldiers in the city of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, carried out by a group of gunmen earlier this morning.

The radio said: “An unusual incident occurred in Khan Younis this morning: a large group of gunmen attempted to storm a forward military post. Soldiers managed to foil the attempted infiltration and attack. At around 9 a.m., more than 10 gunmen approached the site inside Khan Younis and opened fire using machine guns and RPGs.”

It added: “The forces detected the group, aircraft attacked them, and some were killed. For over half an hour, a battle and exchange of fire took place. By the end of the incident, 8 gunmen had been killed, others withdrew, and the attack was thwarted. Around 10 a.m., the incident was declared over.”

Hebrew media outlets commented: “This was an organized attack amid the ongoing negotiations and Hamas’ desire to achieve a success from its perspective. The army estimates that the cell was planning to break into the site and possibly abduct soldiers.”

Gaza Health Ministry: Hospital bed occupancy rate reaches 300%.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Wednesday that hospital occupancy has reached 300 percent, reflecting the scale of the health and humanitarian catastrophe caused by Israel.

This came in a post by the ministry’s Director General, Munir Al-Bursh, on the platform X, where he stated: “The hospital bed occupancy rate has reached 300%.”

He added that this unprecedented figure—since October 7, 2023—illustrates the magnitude of the health and humanitarian disaster being experienced today.

Hamas discusses latest developments in Gaza ceasefire negotiations.

Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, spoke on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, about the latest updates regarding the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

In a press statement, Naim said: “We are waiting for the enemy’s response to the mediators’ new proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.”

He added: “We accepted the mediators’ proposal within the framework of a national assessment and in consideration of the humanitarian conditions of our people.”

Naim stressed that the Israeli reactions reflect Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s intention to continue the war, genocide, and ethnic cleansing.

He emphasized that the international community, especially the U.S., must put an end to Israel’s recklessness and disregard for international law.

Naim also noted: “Anyone betting on breaking our people to force them to give up their legitimate rights is delusional.”

Israel kills former Palestine national basketball player Mohammed Shaalan in Gaza.

The Israeli army on Tuesday killed Mohammed Shaalan, a former player of the Palestine national basketball team and one of the sport’s top figures in Gaza, by shooting him while he was trying to reach humanitarian aid to feed his children in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip.

According to the Palestinian News Agency, citing local sources: “The occupation forces shot Shaalan (40 years old) while he was attempting to reach humanitarian aid in Khan Younis to feed his children, which led to his martyrdom.”

It added that he was forced to search for food and medicine for his sick daughter, Maryam, who suffers from kidney failure and severe blood poisoning, amid his continuous pleas for her rescue and treatment.

Netanyahu orders acceleration of operations to seize Hamas strongholds in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday evening, August 20, 2025, that he has instructed the Israeli army to shorten the timelines for seizing the last “terror strongholds” and to decisively end the battle against Hamas, ahead of approving plans for the military maneuver to invade Gaza City.

Israeli army: We have begun the initial stages of the attack on Gaza City.

The Israeli army spokesperson said on Wednesday evening, August 20, 2025, that the army has begun the initial stages of the attack on Gaza City.

He added that the second phase of Operation Chariots of Gideon has started under orders from the political leadership, claiming that Hamas forces are now concentrated in their strongholds inside Gaza City.

The spokesperson noted that army forces are operating on the outskirts of Gaza City as part of Operation Chariots of Gideon, explaining that the forces are positioned in the suburbs of Gaza City and will deepen operations through elite units.

He further stated that the Israeli army now has near-complete control over the Gaza Strip.

Gaza News – 81 martyrs, including 30 aid seekers.

Medical sources in Gaza Strip hospitals reported on Wednesday evening, August 20, 2025, that 81 Palestinians were martyred by Israeli army fire in various areas of the Gaza Strip since the early hours of the day, including 30 aid seekers.

A Palestinian medical source reported that 12 Palestinians were killed as a result of Israeli army shelling targeting committees securing traders’ trucks in the Zikim axis, north of the Gaza Strip.

The source added that ambulance crews transferred the 12 martyrs to the Sheikh Radwan Clinic in Gaza City after they were targeted by the Israeli army while securing traders’ trucks in the northern part of the Strip.

August 21

Guterres renews call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday, August 21, 2025, once again called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

This came after Israel announced the first steps of operations aimed at taking control of Gaza City.

Guterres made his remarks during the African Development Conference held in Japan, stressing the urgent need to halt the fighting in Gaza to prevent further death and destruction caused by any military operation targeting Gaza City.

Gaza Health Ministry: Two deaths from famine in the past 24 hours.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Thursday that it recorded two new deaths in the past 24 hours due to famine and malnutrition.

In its daily report, the ministry explained that the total number of victims has risen to 271, including 112 children, amid the continued deterioration of humanitarian conditions and shortages of food and medicine in the Strip.

Israeli Defense Minister: Gaza will look like Beit Hanoun.

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz on Thursday threatened to destroy Gaza City in the same way Israel did in Beit Hanoun, in the northern Gaza Strip.

This came during a meeting between Katz and a delegation of senior rabbis from religious Zionism and rabbis from settlements in the northern occupied West Bank.

During the meeting, the rabbis praised Katz’s stance in favor of continuing Israel’s war of extermination against the Gaza Strip and urged him to “do whatever it takes to settle the battle.” Katz responded by reaffirming his commitment to completing the military operation, saying: “Gaza City will look like Beit Hanoun.”

Death toll from Israeli assault on Gaza rises to 62,192.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Thursday that the death toll in the Strip has risen to 62,192, the majority of them children and women, since the beginning of the Israeli assault on October 7, 2023.

In its daily report, the ministry added that the number of injuries has climbed to 157,114 since the start of the assault, while many victims remain under the rubble, unreachable by ambulance and civil defense crews.

It further noted that in the past 24 hours alone, Gaza hospitals received 70 martyrs and 356 injured, while since March 18 when Israel violated the ceasefire agreement the toll has reached 10,646 martyrs and 45,073 injured.

Egyptian Red Crescent sends 180 trucks carrying around 4,400 tons of aid to Gaza.

The Egyptian Red Crescent on Thursday dispatched the 20th convoy of “Zad Al-Izzah .. From Egypt to Gaza”, consisting of 180 trucks loaded with food, medical, and relief aid to southern Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, as part of its ongoing efforts as a national mechanism for coordinating aid to Gaza.

The 20th “Zad Al-Izzah” convoy carried around 4,400 tons of urgent aid, including more than 3,700 tons of food parcels and flour, along with tons of medical and relief supplies urgently needed in the Gaza Strip. This comes within Egypt’s continued efforts to provide food and humanitarian support to the people of Gaza.

OCHA warns of major shelter crisis in Gaza.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned on Thursday of a severe crisis facing displaced citizens in shelters across the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, OCHA said that meeting the current shelter needs of around 1.4 million people requires 3,500 trucks loaded with tents, plastic sheets, and basic household items—without accounting for any future displacement that would further increase needs. Delivering these supplies, however, remains a challenge due to ongoing restrictions.

OCHA called for facilitating humanitarian and relief operations, stressing the urgent need to keep the crossing leading to northern Gaza and Gaza City open to allow the delivery of shelter materials.

Netanyahu: We are close to ending the war and will continue controlling Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel is “on the verge of ending the war in Gaza,” but stressed that the army will continue controlling the Strip, “even if Hamas agrees to a ceasefire at the last minute.”

In an interview with Sky News Australia, Netanyahu stated that the war “could end today if Hamas laid down its arms and released all the remaining hostages,” emphasizing that Israel’s main objective is the release of hostages and the disarmament of the movement.

He added that eliminating Hamas’s last strongholds is essential to achieving lasting peace, denying that his goal is to “occupy Gaza,” but rather to “give both Gaza and Israel a different future,” as he put it. Netanyahu further said he believes Israel is now “close to achieving that.”

Red Cross: Situation “unbearable” as Israel intensifies operations in Gaza.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Thursday that the intensification of fighting in the Gaza Strip has become “unbearable,” as the Israeli army launches a new operation and escalates its bombardment on the Palestinian territory.

Christian Cardon, spokesperson for the ICRC in Geneva, stated: “The intensification of fighting in Gaza means more deaths, more displacement and destruction, and more panic.”

He added: “Gaza is a closed-off place where no one can escape, and where access to healthcare, food, and clean water is steadily declining,” noting also that “the safety of humanitarian workers is deteriorating by the hour.”

Israeli army to medical bodies in Gaza: Prepare to evacuate toward the south of the Strip.

The Israeli army announced on Thursday that it held phone conversations with medical bodies and international organizations in northern Gaza, warning them to prepare to leave Gaza City.

In its statement, the army spokesperson said that these bodies were informed of the need to evacuate hospitals in the northern Strip, as part of field preparations to “take control of Gaza City.”

The warnings also included arrangements for moving residents from northern Gaza toward the south of the Strip.

Israeli institute: Continuing Gaza war worse than any alternative, must be stopped immediately.

The Israeli Institute for National Security Studies said on Thursday that the government must “reconsider its strategy toward the Gaza Strip, moving away from the extreme options currently on the table,” warning that prolonging the war is worse than any other alternative and must be stopped immediately, regardless of the cost.

In a new report, the institute explained that the war has dragged Israel into an international crisis that threatens its global standing and undermines its foreign relations, while the army is suffering from “fatigue and increasing pressure reflected in declining operational discipline and harm to personnel.”

Netanyahu orders immediate negotiations for release of all hostages and end of Gaza war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday evening, August 21, 2025, that he has instructed the start of immediate negotiations to reach a comprehensive prisoner exchange deal and end the war on Gaza, under what he described as “terms acceptable to Israel.

In a televised address from the Gaza Division headquarters, Netanyahu said: “I came to approve the army’s plans to take control of Gaza City and defeat Hamas, and at the same time, I directed the start of immediate negotiations to secure the release of all our captives and end the war under terms acceptable to Israel.”

He continued: “We are in the decisive stage, and I deeply appreciate the response of the reservists and, of course, the regular army for this vital mission.”

Netanyahu stressed again: “I have directed the start of immediate negotiations to release all our captives and end the war under acceptable terms for Israel. These two matters defeating Hamas and releasing all our captives go hand in hand.”

Gaza Health Ministry rejects Israeli orders to transfer health system resources to the south.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza said on Thursday evening, August 21, 2025, that it rejected an order from the Israeli army to move the health system’s resources from Gaza City to the southern part of the Strip, warning that such a move would deprive more than one million people of their right to medical care.

In a statement received by Sawa, the ministry stressed that it “rejects any step that would undermine what remains of the health system after the systematic destruction carried out by the occupation authorities.”

March in Gaza calls for end to war and displacement plan.

Palestinians organized a mass march on Thursday, August 21, 2025, in Gaza City, calling for an end to the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.

The demonstration was organized by the “Palestinian Journalists’ Movement” with the support of local unions, and was attended by community figures, elders, and citizens.

Participants carried Palestinian flags and held banners in Arabic and English, demanding an end to the genocide that has continued for 22 months, as well as halting Israel’s plan to invade and re-occupy Gaza City.

 

 

Additional statement from Gaza Health Ministry: The ministry warned that such measures would deprive more than one million people of their right to treatment and put the lives of residents, patients, and the wounded at imminent risk.

It called on all international and UN institutions to protect what remains of the health system in the Strip and to provide the necessary resources to save lives.

The ministry reaffirmed that access to healthcare is a right guaranteed by all laws and conventions for every citizen wherever they are.

August 22

UN officially declares famine in Gaza.

The United Nations announced, on Friday, August 22, 2025, for the first time in the history of the Middle East, the official outbreak of famine in the Gaza Strip, confirming that about 500,000 people are facing “catastrophic hunger.”

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), based in Rome, stated that Gaza Governorate which includes Gaza City and makes up 20% of the Strip’s area has already entered the famine phase, expecting the crisis to spread within weeks to Deir al-Balah in the center and Khan Younis in the south.

According to the report, around 514,000 people nearly a quarter of Gaza’s population are suffering from famine, with the number likely to rise to 641,000 by the end of September, including about 280,000 in Gaza City alone.

The Global Hunger Observatory pointed out that thousands of children in the Strip are suffering from acute malnutrition that will have “long-term consequences.”

 

Israeli army: We will expand operations in Gaza in the coming days

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said on Friday, August 22, 2025:

“The war continues, and we will expand operations in Gaza in the coming days.”

Zamir added during a situation assessment with officers accompanying him in Tulkarm: “We are obliged to act responsibly, and we are alert, prepared, and determined in our military operations.”

He further stated: “Today, there is no place in the West Bank that we cannot reach. We are everywhere and at the right time in order to continue ensuring freedom of military action.”

 

Yedioth reveals details of what is happening in Israel’s decision-making circles regarding Gaza

The Hebrew daily Yedioth Ahronoth revealed on Friday morning, August 22, 2025, details of what is taking place inside Israel’s decision-making circles regarding the Gaza Strip, as negotiations for a prisoner exchange deal continue in parallel with plans to occupy Gaza City.

According to the newspaper, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is maneuvering and buying time: he allows the army to advance in Gaza, but it is clear to everyone that this will not be immediate. Orders have been issued to call up the reserves in early September, and it is estimated that the operation will last until 2026. However, it is impossible to ignore the fact that Israel is using the threat of invading Gaza City as a means of pressuring Hamas. At the same time, it is also impossible to ignore the fact that once the operation begins, it will be difficult for the government to approve the withdrawal of forces from the city—an operation that the army itself estimates will come at a heavy human cost.

The newspaper added: “During the prolonged negotiations, Netanyahu will attempt to bring Benny Gantz into the government in order to neutralize Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, just as he previously brought Gideon Sa’ar into the coalition to ease the pressure from far-right ministers. In this way, Netanyahu seeks to achieve the best possible outcome: he says ‘yes’ to occupying Gaza to satisfy his coalition partners, rejects any partial agreement, and declares his willingness to negotiate for the release of all captives in order to appease their families but only under Israel’s conditions.”

 

Israel mulls cutting water to northern Gaza to push residents south

The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation reported that the Israeli government is considering reducing the quantities of water allocated to the northern Gaza Strip and repairing two water pipelines to the south of the Strip, in preparation for the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza City as part of a plan to occupy the entire Strip.

It noted that “as part of Tel Aviv’s preparations to displace hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from Gaza City, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is considering cutting the water transferred to northern Gaza, while beginning repairs on two direct water pipelines to the southern part of the Strip.”

 

Israel announces interception of drone launched from Yemen

The Israeli army announced on Friday, August 22, 2025, that it intercepted a drone launched from Yemen, which triggered sirens in settlements adjacent to the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, the army said: “The Air Force successfully intercepted a drone launched from Yemen, which led to the activation of alerts in the Gaza Envelope area.”

The army had earlier stated: “Alerts were activated in the Gaza Envelope area after detecting a drone launched from Yemen, during which several interception attempts were carried out.”

 

Gaza Health Ministry releases latest toll of casualties from the Israeli offensive

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Friday, August 22, 2025, the latest statistics on the number of martyrs and injuries from the ongoing Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip.

In its daily report, the ministry stated that the death toll from the Israeli offensive has risen to 62,263 martyrs and 157,365 injuries since October 7, 2023.

It confirmed that in the past 24 hours alone, Gaza hospitals received 71 martyrs and 251 injuries.

Regarding those killed while trying to obtain aid, the ministry reported that in the past 24 hours, 24 martyrs and 133 injurieswere recorded, bringing the total number of aid-related casualties who arrived at hospitals to 2,060 martyrs and more than 15,197 injuries.

Hospitals in Gaza also recorded two new deaths in the past 24 hours due to famine and malnutrition, raising the overall total to 273 deaths, including 112 children.

 

UN agencies: Half a million people in Gaza facing famine

A joint UN statement issued by the FAO, UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and the World Health Organization warned that half million people in the Gaza Strip are suffering from famine.

The UN agencies expressed on Friday their concern over “the threat of a large-scale military attack on Gaza City, given its additional devastatin consequences for civilians.”

They called for “ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza to reduce deaths caused by hunger and malnutrition, and for the urgent need to reach an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.”

 

Guterres: Famine in Gaza is a catastrophe and a failure of humanity

UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that “at a time when words seem exhausted to describe the hell unfolding in Gaza, a new word is added: famine.”

In a statement posted on Platform X on Friday, Guterres said: “It is no secret—this is a man-made catastrophe and a failure of humanity.”

Commenting on the IPC famine classification report for Gaza City and surrounding areas for the first time, he wrote: “Famine is not only about food; it is the deliberate collapse of the systems essential to human survival. People are starving. Children are dying. Those with the responsibility to act are failing.”

 

UN humanitarian coordinator: Famine in Gaza must be stopped at all costs.

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ramiz Alakbarov, said that today’s confirmation of famine in Gaza Governorate is not just another wake-up call, but “a deafening alarm bell after months of repeated warnings, and an indication of what may soon sweep through other parts of the Strip.”

In a statement on Friday, Alakbarov said: “This catastrophe is entirely man-made. Despite repeated warnings and tireless efforts to prevent it, the political will to ensure that the UN and NGOs can carry out humanitarian operations without obstacles has failed tragically so.”

 

Hamas: Famine is international testimony to Israel’s crime and a wake-up call to the world

The Hamas movement said on Friday that the United Nations’ official declaration of famine in the Gaza Strip represents “a badge of shame on the occupation and its supporters.”

It stressed that the findings of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, along with the World Health Organization’s announcement regarding the spread of famine, are “conclusive international testimony to the crime the occupation is committing against more than two million besieged people.”

In its statement, Hamas said the announcement “confirms the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe our people are enduring as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression, which is using starvation as a tool of war and genocide against civilians in blatant violation of international humanitarian law and all international norms and conventions.”

Hamas added that it considers this UN announcement “an important step, even if it came far too late, after long months of warnings and the suffering our people have endured under systematic siege and starvation.”

The movement reiterated that it had repeatedly warned that “denying food, medicine, and water to our people is a crime of genocide in every sense of the word,” noting that today’s UN reports confirm to the world the magnitude of the catastrophe.

 

Israel attacks international report confirming famine in Gaza

Israel on Friday, August 22, 2025, attacked the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report on famine in the Gaza Strip—despite its reliance on data and facts claiming it was based on “phone surveys.”

The IPC report, published on its official website, stated that more than one million Palestinians in Gaza are facing severe food insecurity. It noted that famine has already spread in Gaza Governorate (north) and is expected to extend to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis in the central and southern parts of the Strip in September.

In response, the Israeli army claimed in a statement that there were “fundamental gaps in the facts and methodology, the use of biased information sources linked to Hamas, as well as a lack of basic accuracy and changes in criteria that undermine the credibility of the report.”

It further alleged that “the classification is based on unpublished phone surveys, dubious UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) estimates, and local non-governmental organizations with vested interests.”

 

Infant dies from malnutrition in Khan Younis

An infant, Ghadeer Breika, died on Friday at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, due to malnutrition caused by Israel’s systematic starvation policy, the lack of treatment, and the blockade accompanying the ongoing genocide that has persisted for 22 months.

A medical source reported that Ghadeer, 5 months old, passed away as a result of complications from starvation, amid hospitals’ inability to provide the necessary care due to a severe shortage of food and medicine.

 

Haaretz: Israeli army still hopes to reach a deal with Gaza

The Hebrew daily Haaretz reported on Friday, August 22, 2025, that the Israeli army still hopes to reach a deal with Gaza.

According to the newspaper: “In the army, they still hope it will be possible to bridge the gaps and present a partial deal as a first stage toward a full agreement. Otherwise, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will continue along his declared path, with a promise to defeat Hamas a course that is highly doubtful to succeed, and certainly one that will endanger the lives of captives and soldiers.”

It added: “As usual, Netanyahu maneuvers between the demands of his coalition partners (continuing the war, full occupation of the Strip, and resuming settlement activity) and the growing public anger, as manifested in the protests.”

The paper continued: “But at this moment, the balance of power is skewed: Smotrich and Ben Gvir frighten him more.”

 

International organization: Famine and acute malnutrition in Gaza have reached their peak

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)—an organization operating under the United Nations to enhance food security and nutrition analysis for informed decision-making—is expected to announce on Friday the “worst-case famine scenario in the Gaza Strip.”

In a statement, the organization said: “Gaza is currently experiencing the worst famine scenario. Conflict and displacement have intensified, while access to food and other essential goods and services has fallen to unprecedented levels.”

It added: “Growing evidence indicates that the spread of hunger, malnutrition, and disease is contributing to rising hunger-related deaths. The latest data shows that food consumption across most of Gaza has reached famine levels, while acute malnutrition in Gaza City has peaked.”

 

Lazzarini: Gaza’s children are doomed to die if aid does not arrive quickly

Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), warned that the hungriest children in the Gaza Strip are “doomed to die” if humanitarian aid does not reach them urgently.

In a statement on Thursday, the UN official said that hunger levels are most severe in the north, particularly in Gaza City, where around one million people are still estimated to reside.

Lazzarini announced that an assessment of the scale of hunger in the besieged Strip will be released soon, noting that UNRWA health centers have recorded a sixfold increase in the number of children suffering from acute malnutrition since March.

 

Israel threatens Hamas with “opening the gates of hell” on Gaza City

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said on Friday, August 22, 2025, that the “gates of hell” will soon open on Hamas in Gaza City if it does not agree to Israel’s conditions for ending the war, foremost among them the release of all captives and disarmament.

According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the defense minister announced during a government meeting on Thursday that he had approved the army’s plans to “defeat Hamas in Gaza.”

Katz threatened that Gaza City would be turned into something resembling Rafah and Beit Hanoun if Hamas refuses Israel’s conditions.

 

Israeli army intercepts ballistic missile launched from Yemen

Israeli media confirmed on Friday evening, August 22, 2025, that defense systems successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen. Channel 12 reported eyewitness accounts of explosions heard in central Israel, noting that airspace at Ben Gurion Airport, east of Tel Aviv, had been closed.

The channel also stated that the Yemeni missile broke apart in the air into several projectiles. Despite the difficulty of intercepting it, the incident ended without damage, according to the report.

 

Tel Aviv: Talks begin to set date and location for Gaza negotiations

Israel’s Channel 12 reported on Friday evening, August 22, 2025, that talks have begun to determine the date and location of negotiations regarding Gaza, possibly in a new venue, with the negotiating team expected to be dispatched in the coming days.

It noted that the negotiating team will be the same one that conducted the talks in the Qatari capital, Doha.

The channel added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is pressing to expedite the operation to seize control of Gaza City, while also preparing to send a delegation in the coming days to negotiate a prisoner exchange deal.

August 23

UNRWA: Our warehouses can fill 6,000 aid trucks bound for Gaza

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) affirmed on Saturday that ending the famine in Gaza City is possible through the immediate entry of large-scale humanitarian aid.

In a brief statement on its X platform page, the agency said: “Stopping the ongoing catastrophe requires the entry of massive amounts of aid into Gaza through the United Nations, including UNRWA.”

It pointed out that its warehouses in Jordan and Egypt are fully stocked with enough food, medicine, and hygiene supplies to load 6,000 trucks.

Argentine Photographer Announces Participation in Humanitarian Mission to Gaza

Argentine photographer Nicolás Marín, 25, who won the World Nature Photographer of the Year Award in 2023, announced his participation in a humanitarian mission to the Gaza Strip led by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.

In a statement to the Argentine newspaper La Nación, Marín said he is preparing to join a convoy of more than 50 ships set to depart from Spain on September 15, in an attempt to break the naval blockade imposed on Gaza and deliver food, medical, and humanitarian aid.

He explained that the convoy will include activists, doctors, psychologists, journalists, and legal experts from 44 different nationalities, with participants scheduled to undergo a four-day training program in Barcelona before departure.

WFP Calls for Urgent Action on Famine Outbreak in Gaza

A UN official has called for urgent action regarding the outbreak of famine in the Gaza Strip, noting that this is the first time famine has been confirmed in the Middle East.

The remarks came during a press briefing last night by Jean-Martin Bauer, Director of Food Security and Nutrition Analysis at the UN World Food Programme (WFP), following his assessment of the report issued by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Global Initiative.

Bauer explained that famine represents “severe food deprivation, widespread acute malnutrition, and deaths caused by hunger.”

Gaza: 8 New Deaths, Including Two Children, Due to Malnutrition

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Saturday, August 23, 2025, the deaths of eight people, including two children, over the past 24 hours as a result of severe malnutrition and lack of medical care.

The ministry explained that the total death toll from “starvation” in the Strip has risen to 281, including 114 children, stressing that the ongoing shortage of food and medicine is dangerously worsening the humanitarian situation.

Israel: European Hospital in East Khan Younis Prepared to Serve Gaza Displaced

Israel’s Army Radio reported on Saturday, August 23, 2025, that local teams from Gaza, along with international organizations, have begun restoration and reactivation work at the European Hospital in East Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip.

According to the report, this move comes as part of a plan to evacuate residents of Gaza City and transfer medical services to the European Hospital, to serve as an alternative to city hospitals such as Al-Shifa and Al-Ma’madani, which are set to be evacuated.

Gaza Death Toll from Israeli War Rises to 62,622

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Saturday that the death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 62,622, the majority of whom are children and women, since the beginning of the Israeli aggression on October 7, 2023.

In its daily report, the ministry added that the number of injuries has climbed to 157,673 since the start of the war, while many victims remain under the rubble, unreachable by ambulance and civil defense crews.

The ministry also noted that 61 bodies and 308 wounded were brought to Gaza hospitals in the past 24 hours. Since March 18, following Israel’s breach of the ceasefire agreement, the toll has reached 10,778 martyrs and 45,632 injured.

Gaza Medical Official: 1.3 Million People at Risk if Israel Invades the City

The director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex, Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, warned of the immense dangers facing Gaza’s residents if Israeli forces invade the city, stressing that more than 1.3 million people are at risk and cannot be provided with the necessary medical care.

Abu Salmiya expressed fears for the lives of medical staff and patients, noting that hundreds had previously been killed inside hospitals due to the ongoing assault.

He added that hospitals are already full, with no capacity to receive more wounded, and morgues are overflowing. He called for an immediate end to the war to save lives and prevent a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.

15,000 People in Gaza in Need of Medical Evacuation

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Saturday that more than 15,600 people in Gaza, including 3,800 children, require medical evacuation to receive specialized care.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X: “More than 15,600 patients, including 3,800 children, are still in need of specialized care.”

He urged the facilitation of humanitarian aid deliveries to save lives and provide life-saving treatment, once again renewing his call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Gaza Health Ministry Warns of Health and Environmental Catastrophe

The Director-General of the Ministry of Health in Gaza warned on Saturday of a major tragedy facing the population of the Strip, stressing that the continuation of the current situation amounts to a health and environmental genocide.

He stated that over one million children are suffering from severe psychological disorders, underscoring the urgent need to open safe corridors for the entry of medicines for chronic diseases and for international medical teams to support local health workers.

He added that the Strip requires desalination plants to address water salinity, noting that the siege imposed on a starving population by the occupation represents a moral disgrace.

Lazzarini: Israel Must Stop Denying the Famine It Created in Gaza

The Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, said on Saturday that the Israeli government must stop “denying the famine” it has caused in the Gaza Strip.

In a post on the platform X, Lazzarini called on all those with influence around the world to “use their leverage with determination and a sense of moral duty” to prevent Israel from further deepening the famine in the besieged enclave.

“It is time for the Government of Israel to stop denying the famine it has caused in Gaza,” Lazzarini said, urging immediate action to end the famine: “Every hour counts.”

Gaza Martyrs Toll – Saturday, August 23, 2025

Palestinian medical sources announced the death toll of martyrs who arrived at Gaza hospitals on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

Total martyrs today: 60

  • Al-Shifa Hospital: 9
  • Sheikh Radwan Clinic: 9
  • Al-Ahli (Baptist) Hospital: 1
  • Al-Awda Hospital: 3
  • Al-Aqsa Hospital: 5
  • Nasser Hospital: 33

Among the martyrs were 22 people killed while seeking aid.

المصدر : Sawa News Agency – Raghad Samir Ayyad

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