Live Blog Update| Israel's genocide in Gaza
This is an entry from: Live: 54 Palestinians killed, 831 wounded in 24 hours

Morning recap

7 August 2025 06:26 BST

Good morning Middle East Eye readers,

Here are the latest updates on Israel's war on Gaza:

  • Gaza killings mount: Palestinian health officials report that at least 135 killed and 771 wounded in Israeli attacks over the past day, marking one of the deadliest 24-hour periods in recent weeks.

  • US grants Israel more military leeway in Gaza: A source familiar with Trump administration discussions told the Israeli daily Haaretz that Washington will allow Israel operational freedom in Gaza while pushing for improved humanitarian aid delivery.

  • Smotrich links aid to Hamas defeat: Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated "Hamas can't be defeated with tanks alone" while discussing Israel's Gaza aid budget, suggesting humanitarian assistance could be used strategically to further drive the Palestinian population towards famine.

  • UN condemns Israeli data demand: The United Nations and NGOs protested Israel's order requiring international aid groups to submit personal information about Palestinian staff in occupied territories.

  • Jerusalem Mufti suspended from Al-Aqsa: Police barred Sheikh Muhammad Hussein from the mosque for six months, according to his lawyer Khaldoun Najm, who confirmed plans to challenge the decision in Israel's High Court.

  • US to soften human rights criticism: The Washington Post reports the Trump administration will reduce condemnation of Israel, El Salvador and Russia in its upcoming human rights report.