Hamas indicated its agreement to a ceasefire proposal in August 2025, aimed at exchanging hostages for prisoners, following a call from then-U.S. President Donald Trump for the return of Israeli hostages. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the proposal, citing it as unacceptable and expressing reservations regarding Hamas's disarmament.
This diplomatic impasse occurs as Gaza faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with a United Nations-backed declaration of famine in the Gaza Governorate. The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report indicates that over half a million individuals are in catastrophic conditions, with projections suggesting nearly a third of the population could face similar circumstances by the end of September 2025. This dire situation highlights the critical need for sustained humanitarian intervention.
The United Kingdom has been actively involved in humanitarian efforts, including plans to provide medical treatment for critically ill children from Gaza in UK hospitals. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has strongly criticized Israel's restrictions on aid, characterizing the situation as a man-made famine and advocating for an immediate ceasefire. The UK has pledged an additional £15 million (approximately $20 million) in medical aid.
Meanwhile, the European Union has experienced internal disagreements regarding its response to the conflict. While some member states advocate for economic pressure against Israel, such as suspending a free trade pact, others oppose these measures, potentially weakening the EU's international influence. The conflict, which began in October 2023, has resulted in a significant loss of life, with over 63,000 Palestinians reported killed as of September 4, 2025.
The rejection of the ceasefire proposal by Israel, coupled with the UN's famine declaration, underscores the immense challenges in de-escalating the conflict and alleviating civilian suffering. International appeals continue for urgent action to address the escalating crisis and ensure the delivery of essential aid.