Al Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, is under siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to dire conditions for its 900,000 residents. The RSF has blocked food and fuel, creating a humanitarian crisis. The city is a militarized zone, with residents facing shelling and a lack of essential supplies. The collapse of the Zamzam camp and the prevention of aid convoys have exacerbated the situation, leading to widespread hunger and a high risk of famine.
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Hamas has stated it will not disarm without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. This declaration comes amid stalled negotiations and the release of a video showing a severely emaciated Israeli hostage, highlighting the dire conditions of the hostages and Gazans. The hostage videos and dire conditions in Gaza have caused global outcry regarding Israel’s restrictions on aid, as seven Palestinians died of malnutrition-related causes in the last 24 hours. Despite international pressure, including calls from Germany and France for increased aid, the conflict continues, with both sides blaming the other for the humanitarian crisis.
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In the Russian-occupied cities of Donetsk and Mariupol, residents are facing a severe water crisis, with water supplies severely limited and often undrinkable. The destruction of infrastructure and failed reconstruction projects have led to a humanitarian emergency, exacerbated by high summer temperatures. Despite the construction of a new pipeline, the water shortage persists, and local reservoirs are rapidly dwindling. The situation has prompted concerns about public health, as well as leading to infrastructural collapse, institutional corruption, and humanitarian failure.
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Medics have reported that thirteen children died last month in a displacement camp in East Darfur, Sudan, due to severe food shortages. The Sudan Doctors Network described the “deteriorating humanitarian conditions” and widespread malnutrition at the Lagawa camp, which is home to at least 7,000 people and has been subjected to attacks. This hunger crisis is a result of the ongoing civil war, which has crippled humanitarian networks and caused a collapse of the economy and social services. In addition to the famine, aid groups have warned of a cholera outbreak in Darfur, further worsening the humanitarian crisis.
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Thousands of protestors demonstrated in Sydney, marching across the Harbour Bridge in rainy conditions to show support for Palestine, resulting in the bridge’s closure for several hours. NSW Police issued warnings to the marchers, citing public safety concerns. Demonstrations also occurred in Melbourne and Adelaide, as protestors voiced their opposition to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Sydney Harbour Bridge reopened to traffic in the late afternoon.
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Newly released UN data reveals that the vast majority of humanitarian aid entering Gaza is intercepted before reaching its intended recipients, with 87% of trucks and 85% of tonnage failing to reach their destinations between May 19 and August 1. The UN’s monitoring system, UN2720, indicates that almost all intercepted aid was seized during transport within Gaza, whether by armed groups or civilians. While Israel has facilitated aid entry, much of it remains stalled or is stolen, prompting both Israeli officials and international observers to express concerns about aid diversion. This situation has led to increasing tension and blame between Israel, the UN, and other international entities.
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Reports from a hospital indicate that over 50 Palestinians were killed and hundreds injured while seeking food aid near a crossing in northern Gaza, coinciding with the arrival of US envoy Steve Witkoff in Israel. The Hamas-run Civil Defence agency alleges Israeli forces fired at crowds gathered near aid lorries, while the Israeli military claims they fired “warning shots” and are unaware of any casualties. The incident occurred amid a dire humanitarian situation, with the UN reporting mass starvation and Israel controlling aid entry, despite implementing measures to facilitate aid distribution. Despite these measures, reports from the scene indicate that the situation remains critical, with many dead and injured from the event, including reports from al-Shifa hospital and other sources.
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Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has refuted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s claims that Israel is withholding aid from Gaza, labeling the accusations as “a lie”. This comes as a global hunger monitor issued an alert warning that famine is “playing out” in the Gaza Strip, highlighting widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease. The Israeli government, however, continues to deny the severity of the humanitarian crisis, while the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) indicates that famine thresholds have been reached for food consumption and acute malnutrition in certain areas. Despite Israel’s claims of open aid access, restrictions remain, contrasting with the urgent needs of a population facing escalating food insecurity and mortality.
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Starvation deaths are tragically being reported in El Fasher, Sudan, according to activists, painting a grim picture of a city besieged for over a year and a half. It’s hard to even fathom the suffering endured by the people there, a true testament to human resilience that they’ve managed to survive this long. The core of the problem, it seems, lies in the unbearable scarcity of basic necessities, particularly food.
The fact that a single sack of millet, a staple food for the local population, is now selling for a staggering 4.2 million Sudanese pounds – roughly $1,750 – speaks volumes.… Continue reading
The ongoing situation in Gaza mirrors a scenario of siege, where Israel has restricted aid, resulting in critical shortages. Since the Hamas-led attacks in October 2023, Israel has intermittently blocked aid, and permitted insufficient supplies, leading to thousands of deaths from malnutrition and related issues. Despite Israeli denials and accusations against aid organizations, the U.S. government needs to intervene by ordering Israel to open all crossings and end restrictive practices. Furthermore, the U.S. should cease supporting militarized aid schemes and instead instruct Israel to collaborate with the United Nations and impartial aid groups to allow for safe and effective delivery of essential supplies.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood