The war began when Hamas-led terrorists killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the Oct. 7 attack and abducted 251 hostages. More than half the captives have been released in ceasefires or other deals. Israeli forces have rescued eight and recovered the remains of dozens more.

Israel’s blockade of Gaza may have been partially lifted – and a new US-backed plan to deliver aid has begun. But there are multiple indications that the plight of Gazans is rapidly worsening.

A convoy carrying hundreds of activists arrives in Libya after driving from Algeria and crossing to Tunisia on its way to the Gaza Strip to challenge Israel’s blockade on humanitarian aid in the territory.

With much of Gaza in rubble, men, women and children were forced to hold the traditional Eid al-Adha prayers in the open air and with food supplies dwindling, families were having to make do with what they could scrape together for the three-day feast.

The starvation of Gaza can be measured in the jutting ribs of a 6-year-old girl. In the twig-like thinness of her arms. In the pounds she and those around her have lost. In the two tomatoes, two green chili peppers and single cucumber a destitute child can buy to feed his family that day.

Now, as the presumed new Hamas commander in Gaza, Izz al-Din al-Haddad holds the fate of the hostages and, to a large extent, the entire Strip in his blood-stained hands. “He was always recognised by our people as one of the more capable commanders,” said Maj Gen Yaakov Amidror, Israel’s former national security adviser.

According to the enclave's Health Ministry, 106 people were killed in 24 hours. Humanitarian aid, which Israel had entirely cut off for two months, has been trickling back in since May 19.

Palestinians evacuated from Jabalia in northern Gaza Strip arrive in Gaza City, on June 9, 2025. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday issued an evacuation warning for residents in two areas of the northern Gaza Strip ahead of strikes.