In Gaza and the occupied territories, Palestinians reacted with horror as Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan to seize full control of Gaza City. The Palestinian Authority condemned the move as “a complete crime” and a continuation of “genocide, systematic killing, starvation and siege”. Militant groups like Hamas warned that ordering an occupation of Gaza City would put Palestinian hostages at risk, “expanding the aggression means sacrificing them,” Hamas said of Israel’s strategy. Islamic Jihad called the plan “a new chapter in the war of extermination” in Gaza.

Already facing a man-made famine under siege, Gazans are struggling to survive. Local health authorities report nearly 200 people – including dozens of young children – have starved to death amid critical food shortages. The United Nations warns of “apocalyptic” scenes as desperate families scramble for sporadic aid drops. One displaced father described aid deliveries as a battle, with food hanging from helicopters where people cannot reach it. Doctors Without Borders reports that Palestinians are being killed in chaotic aid distributions, a situation it denounces as “orchestrated killing and dehumanisation” of civilians.

Across Europe and the UK, there has been growing pressure for action. Britain’s prime minister, Keir Starmer, said the decision to escalate in Gaza was “wrong” and would bring “only more bloodshed”. In the UK parliament, the Scottish National Party’s Westminster leader Stephen Flynn demanded an emergency recall of MPs to impose sanctions on Israel. Flynn warned that “a genocide is happening before our eyes in Gaza” and urged an arms embargo and personal sanctions on Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet.

Palestinian analysts say such calls are long overdue. Even UN officials are alarmed, the UN human rights chief stated Israel’s plan “must be immediately halted” as it violates international law and the rights of Palestinians. For the people of Gaza, however, rhetoric is not enough. Many say only a ceasefire, unhindered aid corridors and an end to the blockade can prevent further catastrophe. As one international reporter noted, Gaza has become “apocalyptic”,a fight not for territory or politics, but simply to survive.