Gaza City Under Siege: Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The Israeli military is intensifying its attacks on Gaza City, with residents reporting increased strikes on the outskirts of the city. The UN and aid groups warn of 'horrific humanitarian consequences' for displaced families, with over 82,000 people newly displaced since August 14. Hospitals report at least 46 Palestinians killed since midnight, including women and children. The Israeli military's chief of staff vowed to 'continue striking Hamas's centres of gravity until it is defeated' and its hostages freed. Israeli protesters demanded a deal to end the war and free the hostages, while the UN warned that forcing hundreds of thousands to move south could amount to forcible transfer under international law.

The article discusses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political survival tactics, criticizing his handling of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and the Gaza conflict. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir's recent statement that the IDF had created conditions for the release of hostages in previous Gaza operations is seen as a break with the government's policy. The article suggests that Netanyahu is more concerned with his immediate and long-term political survival than with addressing the conflict effectively.

The article covers various geopolitical issues in the Middle East and Africa, including Israel's settlement plans, Syria's prison architecture, Egypt's role in Gaza, and African politics. It also discusses the Wagner Group's meltdown in Mali, Sierra Leone's response to mpox, and the stifling of dissent in East Africa. Additionally, it touches on Gaza's Gen-Z influencers and the killing of journalists in Gaza.

The article discusses Egypt's role in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with critics arguing that Egypt could do more to ease the suffering by allowing more aid into the territory. However, Egypt's ability to help is limited by its weak finances and security concerns. The article suggests that Israel's defenders are shifting the blame for the crisis to Egypt, rather than acknowledging their own culpability. The famine in Gaza was created by Israel's restrictions on food deliveries since March.