Pop icon Madonna urges Pope to intervene; death toll climbs amid siege-driven famine
Israel’s military chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, has approved the “main concept” for a renewed assault on Gaza, aimed at taking full control of Gaza City. The decision comes as intense bombardments have killed at least 123 Palestinians in the past 24 hours, including 21 people seeking food aid, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The latest escalation, which Hamas officials denounce as “aggressive incursions,” is seen by observers as part of a “scorched earth” campaign aimed at reshaping Gaza City through force and the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure.
Mounting Civilian Deaths and Aid Seekers Targeted
Hospitals across the enclave report at least 60 Palestinians killed since dawn, with Gaza City bearing the brunt, 33 deaths in a single day. The victims included 13 people shot near an aid centre north of Rafah, where desperate residents had gathered for food.
Since May 27, when Israel introduced a US-based GHF-managed aid distribution system, 1,859 Palestinians have been killed while attempting to access aid, with over 13,500 injured. The health ministry says the overall death toll from Israel’s offensive since October 7, 2023, now stands at 61,722, with 154,525 wounded. Women and children make up the majority of the victims.
Famine Warnings and Starvation Deaths
The humanitarian catastrophe is deepening. At least 235 people, 106 of them children, have died from malnutrition and hunger-related illnesses. The UN’s humanitarian office says aid entering Gaza remains “far below the minimum required” due to Israeli restrictions at border crossings.
UN-backed experts say the “worst-case scenario of famine” is already unfolding in parts of the besieged enclave, accusing Israel of weaponising hunger, a violation of international law.
Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, condemned the crisis as a “war on children,” noting that more than 40,000 children have been killed or injured since the war began. “No one should stay silent when children die or are brutally deprived of a future,” he wrote on X.
Madonna’s Emotional Appeal to Pope Leo XIV
Global music icon Madonna has urged Pope Leo XIV to urgently visit Gaza, describing him as “the only one of us who cannot be denied entry.” In a heartfelt Instagram post, she pleaded:
“We need the humanitarian gates fully opened to save these innocent children. There is no more time.”
The singer, marking her son’s birthday, called the appeal “the best gift”, mobilising her followers to donate to relief organisations.
Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly called for a ceasefire, condemning Israeli airstrikes on civilians sheltering in a Catholic church in July. Analysts believe his visit could force Israel to allow unprecedented humanitarian access and draw sustained global attention to Gaza’s plight.
The UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and Japan issued a rare joint statement warning that “famine is unfolding in front of our eyes” and urging immediate action.
Spain has signalled support for French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal for an international coalition under UN mandate to stabilise Gaza, calling it “one of the tools” for achieving peace. Madrid stressed such a force should be a step toward a two-state solution.
A War Entering a Deadlier Phase
Hamas’s October 7 attack killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Israel’s retaliation, marked by mass bombardments, a total siege, and repeated targeting of aid distribution points, has drawn accusations of collective punishment and war crimes from human rights organisations. As Israel prepares its next offensive, humanitarian agencies warn that Gaza is on the brink of becoming one of the worst man-made famine zones in modern history, unless the siege is lifted and aid is allowed to flow freely.
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