CPC Update Aug 7, 2025: Starvation in Gaza, New Hostage Footage, UN Two-State Solution Conference, Israeli Plans to Militarily Occupy Gaza

This last week and a half saw a continuation of the Israeli-engineered starvation in the Gaza Strip, new Hamas footage of emaciated hostages, a potentially meaningful UN conference on the two-state solution, and most recently, Israeli plans to militarily occupy Gaza.

As of publication, nearly 200 Palestinians have starved to death as a result of the lack of food available in the Gaza Strip. Following months of Israel blocking the flow of aid into Gaza, a recent burst of international pressure has caused Israel to allow in more aid. However, until the war ends, experts say that humanitarian efforts in Gaza will not resolve the current crisis.

Meanwhile, Hamas recently released new video footage of Israeli hostage Evyatar David appearing emaciated as he dug his own grave. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad released a video of Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski, also looking sickly thin. The videos provoked a wave of outrage in Israel, both against Hamas for continuing to hold and abuse the hostages, and at Netanyahu, who is prolonging the war to stay in power.

Days before, a UN conference led by France and Saudi Arabia to revive the two-state solution took place in New York. At the conference, the entire Arab League condemned the October 7th terror attacks and demanded that Hamas release the hostages and disarm. The PA called for the same, along with restating its recognition of Israel’s right to exist, pledging to terminate prisoner payments (or the “pay for slay” system), promising educational reform, committing to elections within a year, and accepting the demilitarized status of a future Palestinian state. Finally, a number of Western countries indicated their willingness to recognize a Palestinian state in the future.

The two-state solution has been the basis of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians for decades. However, issues like Israeli settlement expansion and the Palestinian desire to return to Israel — as well as the failure of the Oslo peace process — have led many to give up on the idea of a two-state solution. While some propose the one-state solution (a single state for Israelis and Palestinians), many see it as unrealistic and dangerous. In recent years, the concept of a confederation has gained popularity as a solution to the conflict. Regardless, the UN conference represents a glimmer of hope for a peaceful future between Israelis and Palestinians.

Right now, this future couldn’t feel more far off. Netanyahu has said that Israel plans to take control of the Gaza Strip through military occupation. Netanyahu justified the controversial decision by saying it would ensure Israel’s security and facilitate the removal of Hamas. He also indicated the occupation would be temporary and that Gaza would be handed over to “Arab forces”. However, critics believe an Israeli occupation would be a large mistake, further endangering the lives of Gazans and Israeli hostages. Additionally, several extremist Israeli politicians — to whom Netanyahu is beholden — have routinely expressed their desire to resettle Gaza, contradicting Netanyahu’s statement. The situation is still unclear at this point in time.