On 22 August, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a global standard for assessing food insecurity, announced that its Famine Review Committee (FRC) determined that the Gaza Governorate is experiencing famine. The FRC concluded that this famine, which is the highest level on the IPC’s Acute Food Insecurity scale, is man-made, resulting from the ongoing war in Gaza. The IPC also projected the famine to spread to other areas in Gaza (Deir al- Balah and Khan Younis governorates) by the end of September. An area is classified as experiencing famine when there is clear evidence that at least two of the three key thresholds (starvation, acute malnutrition, and mortality), have been met, and broader evidence strongly suggests that the third threshold has likely been reached. This marks the fifth time the IPC has made such a determination since its establishment in 2004. 

Sources: Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, Palestinian News and Information Agency, Reuters

In June, at least 600 Palestinians were killed and thousands more injured in repeated shootings near food distribution sites in Gaza operated by the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF, launched in late May with support from Israel and the United States, has been criticized for operating under Israeli military oversight. Throughout the month, Palestinians attempting to reach aid at GHF sites, where Israeli forces and armed U.S. contractors were present, were shot at on multiple days and in various locations. On 16 June alone, more than 34 people were killed. Human rights organizations have condemned the GHF's aid model as unsafe and dehumanizing, while United Nations officials have stated that aid distribution in Gaza has become a ‘death trap.’

*Since the impact of these events are felt primarily in Palestine, they are coded in the entries for the latter. While they are not coded for Israel, it is Israeli action that causes the effects on democracy in Palestine.

Sources: Haaretz, France24, The Guardian, Reuters, Middle East Eye, Al Jazeera

In March, Israel violated the Gaza ceasefire agreement it had previously reached with Hamas, which had been in place since 19 January, by launching airstrikes and initiating a ground invasion of Gaza. After reimposing a full siege on Gaza on 2 March, blocking all humanitarian aid, the Israeli military launched a new wave of airstrikes across the Strip on 18 March. The following day, Israeli forces retook control of the Netzarim Corridor, cutting off north-south movement within Gaza. On 20 March, a new ground invasion was launched in the north. By the end of the month, more than 1,000 Palestinians had been killed since the strikes resumed. The violence also caused widespread displacement, with new evacuation orders issued by Israel throughout Gaza, including in the southern city of Rafah on 31 March, forcing thousands to flee.

*Since the impact of these events are felt primarily in Palestine, they are coded in the entries for the latter. While they are not coded for Israel, it is Israeli action that causes the effects on democracy in Palestine.

Sources: Associated Press (1), Associated Press (2), Haaretz (1), United Nations, Middle East Eye, Haaretz (2)

On 22 March, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved the establishment of a directorate within the Ministry of Defense to oversee the ‘voluntary departure’ of Palestinians from Gaza to third countries. The directorate’s mandate includes organizing safe and controlled passage, securing transit routes, conducting screenings at designated crossings, and coordinating infrastructure for land, sea, and air travel to third countries. While Israeli officials portray the initiative as ‘humanitarian’, observers warn that, if implemented, it would result in the mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. To date, no third countries have publicly agreed to accept Palestinians from Gaza. However, media reports indicate that Israel and the United States discussed plans with at least three East African governments.

*Since the impact of these events are felt primarily in Palestine, they are coded in the entries for the latter. While they are not coded for Israel, it is Israeli action that causes the effects on democracy in Palestine.

Sources: The Times of Israel (1), Haaretz, The Times of Israel (2), Associated Press

On 19 January, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect, potentially ending 15 months of war in Gaza. The first phase of the agreement, planned to last 42 days, is to involve the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons. Israel has also started to withdraw its military forces from populated areas and the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes and facilitating the entry and delivery of humanitarian aid. If successful, a second phase would involve an additional exchange of hostages and prisoners and a full withdrawal of Israeli troops. The third phase would focus on Gaza's reconstruction. The agreement, mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, showed initial progress by the end of January, but concerns about its stability remain. Details of the second and third phases of the ceasefire are yet to be negotiated.

Sources: Financial Times, WAFA, Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sada News

On 21 January, Israel launched "Iron Wall," a large-scale military operation in the northern West Bank, which initially targeted Jenin Camp before quickly expanding to the refugee camps of Tulkarm, Nur Shams, and Faraa. In early February, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees reported that the violence has rendered these camps uninhabitable, displacing over 40,000 people (more than half the population of these camps). At least 29 Palestinians were killed, and many more were injured, with homes and civilian infrastructure severely destroyed by airstrikes. Further military raids were also reported in Hebron, Bethlehem, and East Jerusalem. The escalation also saw an increase in attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian villages, following a decision by the United States to lift sanctions on violent settlers.

*Since the impact of these events are felt primarily in Palestine, they are coded in the entries for the latter. While they are not coded for Israel, it is Israeli action that causes the effects on democracy in Palestine.

Sources: Associated Press, Al Arabiya, Reuters, WAFA, UNRWA