Thu Jul 31 13:43:06 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article written from it:
**Summary:**
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is escalating, with a large number of Palestinian deaths and injuries reported during aid distribution. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has arrived in Israel to discuss the crisis and a potential ceasefire with Prime Minister Netanyahu. This meeting follows a breakdown in negotiations a week prior. The conflict, initiated by Hamas’ attack in October 2023, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Protests are ongoing in Jerusalem, demanding an end to the war and the release of hostages. Despite international pressure, the aid reaching Gaza remains insufficient, leading to growing international criticism, including from staunch ally Germany, and calls for a two-state solution.
**News Article:**
**Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as U.S. Envoy Arrives in Israel for Ceasefire Talks**
**Deir al-Balah, July 31, 2025:** The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with reports of mass casualties during aid distribution and rising international pressure on Israel to address the crisis. At least 91 Palestinians have been killed and over 600 wounded in the past 24 hours while attempting to obtain food and essential supplies, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The deadliest incident occurred near the Zikim crossing in northern Gaza, where 54 people were reportedly killed in a shooting during aid delivery on Wednesday.
Conflicting accounts surround the events. The Israeli military claims its forces fired warning shots into the crowd as Palestinians swarmed aid trucks, but denies causing any injuries. However, an anonymous security official suggests that gunfire originated from within the crowd due to altercations between Palestinians.
In response to the escalating crisis, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel on Thursday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza and a potential ceasefire agreement. This meeting marks the first engagement between Witkoff and Netanyahu since negotiations stalled a week ago, with Witkoff citing Hamas’s “lack of desire” for a truce.
The ongoing conflict, sparked by Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in devastating consequences for both sides. Hamas’s initial attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which is controlled by Hamas.
Thousands of people, including families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, demonstrated in Jerusalem on Wednesday, calling for an end to the war.
Despite international pressure and recent measures by Israel to increase aid access, the amount of aid reaching Gaza remains significantly below the required level. Aid organizations say that 500 to 600 trucks per day are needed but the amount entering Gaza has fallen well short of this number.
The international community is increasingly critical of Israel’s handling of the humanitarian crisis. Germany, traditionally a staunch ally of Israel, has become more vocal in its concerns, urging Israel to increase aid supplies and supporting a ceasefire. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is also in Israel for talks on the situation. While Germany has stopped short of joining some allies in recognising a Palestinian state, Wadephul emphasized that a two-state solution remains the only path to lasting peace.
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