Gaza Conflict Escalates Amidst Protests and Humanitarian Crisis

Thousands of Israelis participated in a nationwide strike on Sunday to demand a ceasefire with Hamas and the release of hostages held in Gaza. The strike, organized by groups representing families of hostages and bereaved families, marked an escalation in the population's growing frustration after 22 months of war. Protesters blocked roads, closed businesses, and gathered outside politicians' homes and military headquarters. Police responded with water cannons and made dozens of arrests. The strike comes as Israel prepares for a potential invasion of Gaza City and other populated areas, amid rising death toll and starvation in Gaza.

The article 'Aux barricades, boomers!' from The Economist discusses a recent protest outside the Houses of Parliament in Britain where a significant number of older individuals, including those in their 70s and 80s, were arrested. The protest was in support of Palestine Action, a banned terrorist organization. The article highlights the unexpected demographic of the protesters, with a large proportion being retirees and older adults. The piece touches on the changing dynamics of activism and protests in Britain, where older generations are increasingly participating in radical actions.

The article discusses the growing backlash against Hamas in Gaza, with citizens, educators, and activists increasingly speaking out against the organization's rule. Despite the risks, Gazans are calling for a government that serves civilians, not Hamas. The article highlights the efforts of educators in eastern Rafah who are establishing schools focused on peace and tolerance outside of the Hamas system. It also features interviews with Gazans who have been forced to flee or go into hiding due to Hamas' crackdown on dissent. The article suggests that the Israeli government's stance, which offers Hamas no alternative or negotiation options, has worsened the situation. Palestinians are calling for Hamas to accept a ceasefire and include other parties in negotiations.

The Israeli government has announced plans to relocate Palestinians from northern Gaza to the southern region as it prepares for a new military offensive against Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has begun making preparations to move the population from combat zones to southern Gaza for their protection. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed plans for Israel to take full control of the Gaza Strip, with the aim of eliminating Hamas and eventually transferring governance to Arab authorities. The move has been met with mixed reactions around the world, with some supporting Israel's actions and others criticizing them. Families of hostages still being held by Hamas have called for a 'nationwide day of stoppage' to protest expanded operations in Gaza.

Amnesty International has accused Israel of implementing a 'deliberate policy' of starvation in the Gaza Strip, citing testimonies from displaced Palestinians and medical staff. The human rights group claims that Israel's actions are part of a broader campaign to destroy the health, well-being, and social fabric of Palestinian life. The accusation comes as the United Nations and aid groups warn of famine in the Palestinian territory, with seven people, including two children, dying from malnutrition-related causes on Sunday. Israel has repeatedly rejected claims of deliberate starvation, despite evidence of widespread malnutrition and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The article reports on protests in Israel against the ongoing Gaza war, with demonstrators calling for an end to the conflict and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Despite the protests, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains unmoved, insisting that defeating Hamas is necessary to secure the release of the hostages. A former Air Force reservist who quit in protest over Netanyahu's handling of the conflict describes it as 'eternal war' and argues that eliminating Hamas is not possible. The protests reflect growing frustration among Israelis with the ongoing conflict and the government's handling of it.

The article reports on the dire situation in Gaza's hospitals, which are overwhelmed with malnutrition cases among children. Nine-year-old Maryam Dawas is highlighted as a severe case, weighing only 9kg due to malnutrition. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports nearly 13,000 new admissions of children for acute malnutrition in July. The Gaza Health Ministry states that 251 people, including 108 children, have died from famine and malnutrition. Israel's coordinator of government activities in the territories (COGAT) claims Hamas is inflating the numbers, but the article argues that famine exacerbates existing health conditions. The situation is attributed to Israel's total blockade on Gaza, which has led to extreme food insecurity, with 81% of households reporting poor food consumption in July.