Clash between Athens mayor and Israeli ambassador arises in response to arguing about the violent situation in Gaza
In the war-torn region of Gaza, the humanitarian situation is reaching catastrophic levels. Mourners gather at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, awaiting the recovery of relatives killed near food lines. The conflict, which began in October 2023, has claimed over 60,000 lives and left tens of thousands injured.
Between 30 July and 6 August 2025 alone, 730 Palestinians were killed and 4,479 injured. A significant number of these casualties are among civilians seeking food, with at least 1,655 killed and over 11,800 injured since late May 2025 during food-seeking attempts near aid distribution points and convoys.
Gaza is on the brink of famine. One in three people goes without food for days. Over 20,000 children have been treated for acute malnutrition, and at least 16 children under five have died from hunger-related causes since mid-July. Projections indicate catastrophic food insecurity, including starvation and death, affecting half a million people by September 2025.
Hospitals are overwhelmed with malnutrition cases and casualties from ongoing violence. Infrastructure destruction affects 70% of Gaza, limiting access to essential services, and safe areas are now less than 12% of the territory. The health system is strained by the extensive injuries and malnutrition cases.
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and UN human rights officials describe the situation as a "humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions" and warn of collective international responsibility to halt the violence and humanitarian collapse. Calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and massive humanitarian aid are urgent to prevent total devastation.
Amidst this crisis, incidents of violence continue. Two civilians died in another attack on food queues in Beit Lahia. A family of three was killed in an airstrike in Deir al-Balah, including a father, mother, and daughter. At least 40 Palestinians were killed by Israeli airstrikes and gunfire in Gaza on Monday. Panicked crowds were fired upon near aid sites in the Netzarim Corridor and Rafah.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported five new deaths from starvation, including two children, bringing the total to 180, of whom 93 are minors, since the Israeli siege began in October 2023. Medical staff confirmed three new deaths from Guillain-Barre syndrome in Gaza, adding to the public health collapse without urgent delivery of medicines and nutrition.
In Gaza City's Shejaiya neighborhood, seven civilians were killed by two successive airstrikes. Video footage captured lifeless bodies, some of them children, scattered beside torn sacks of flour and canned goods. Despite Israeli claims, many aid shipments remain stranded, looted, or unable to reach distribution centers.
In Rafah, Israeli troops shot dead two civilians and wounded over 20 while they were waiting in line for aid. Due to a shortage of traditional white burial shrouds, bodies are being wrapped in household blankets in Gaza.
Amidst the chaos, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas delivered a rebuke to Israel's ambassador over accusations of antisemitic graffiti in Athens. Doukas criticized Israel for killing civilians and children in food lines in Gaza. He underlined Athens' commitment to democratic values, free speech, and respect for visitors.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with escalating fatalities, severe food shortages leading to famine, and a critical health system overload amid ongoing conflict and destruction. Urgent action is needed to prevent a total humanitarian collapse.
- The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a war-torn region, is progressing towards an unprecedented level of catastrophe, with the health system being severely strained and hospitals overwhelmed by malnutrition cases and casualties from ongoing violence.
- Climate change and environmental science have not been significant factors in the Gaza conflict, but the region is now on the brink of famine, impacting the health and wellness of over half a million people by September 2025.
- Political discourse has been intensified by the situation in Gaza, with general news outlets reporting on the United Nations' urgent calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and massive humanitarian aid to prevent total devastation.
- The ongoing conflict in Gaza has not only claimed thousands of lives and left tens of thousands injured but has also led to an alarming increase in crime and justice-related incidents, with civilians frequently becoming victims of targeted attacks while seeking food and aid.
- In the midst of this troubling scenario, there have been significant events unrelated to the Gaza crisis, such as Athens Mayor Haris Doukas' rebuke to Israel's ambassador over antisemitic graffiti in Athens and his subsequent critique of Israel for killing civilians and children in food lines in Gaza.
