More than 59,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza as global leaders shift positions; Macron to recognise Palestinian state, while U.S. blames Hamas for ceasefire deadlock.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, with at least 62 more Palestinians killed on Thursday alone—19 of them reportedly shot while attempting to collect essential aid. The cumulative death toll from Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza has now reached at least 59,587, with over 143,000 wounded, according to local health officials.
In a significant diplomatic statement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned Israel’s actions, declaring that the continued denial of humanitarian aid to Gaza constitutes a violation of international law. Carney’s comments mark one of the strongest critiques yet from a major Western leader regarding Israel’s conduct in the conflict.
Meanwhile, France has taken a decisive step toward reshaping the global stance on the Palestinian issue. President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognise the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September. This symbolic yet powerful move is expected to increase pressure on other Western nations to follow suit.
On the other side of the Atlantic, the U.S. envoy to the region, Steve Witkoff, placed the blame for the failure to reach a ceasefire squarely on Hamas, stating that the United States is now exploring “alternative options” to secure the release of more than 200 captives taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks, which also left 1,139 people dead in Israel.
As the international community becomes increasingly vocal, the Gaza conflict shows no sign of abating. With humanitarian conditions worsening and geopolitical alliances shifting, the call for a sustainable resolution is growing louder.