T he announcement was an admission of failure. On July 26th the Israel Defence Forces ( IDF) said that it would parachute food into Gaza and implement daily “humanitarian pauses” in parts of the still depopulated areas of the devastated strip, allowing international aid organisations to bring in convoys.

The “worst-case scenario of famine” is unfolding in Gaza, according to a warning issued by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.

Last week, Abu Obaida, spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, warned that the group would not return to partial agreements if the latest round of talks - which now appears to have collapsed - failed to produce a deal.

President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel and is expected to visit Gaza, where the death toll among Palestinians waiting for aid continues to climb.

It will be the first known visit in months for Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s lead on the cease-fire and hostage talks. Since his last trip, conditions in the enclave have worsened.