A news bulletin provided by Sawa News Agency for Saturday, July 12, 2025, covering the most important developments in the Gaza Strip, Israel, and the West Bank.
UNRWA Warns of Severe Health Consequences in Gaza Due to Lack of Clean Water and Heat
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warned on Saturday of severe health consequences in the Gaza Strip due to the lack of clean water and overcrowded shelters amid high temperatures. The agency called for the lifting of the siege and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries, including hygiene supplies. It also highlighted the death of 800 hungry people who were shot while attempting to obtain food, calling the current system a deadly fraud designed to force people to flee and deepen the collective punishment policy against Palestinians in Gaza.
Ceasefire Negotiations in Gaza Stall Due to Israeli Position
Negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza are facing obstacles, according to a Palestinian source on Saturday, with Israel insisting on providing a withdrawal map. To avoid the collapse of talks in Doha, the U.S. suggested to Hamas to delay discussions on the Israeli military’s withdrawal until the end of the current negotiations. The U.S. proposed focusing on issues such as the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released in the agreement and the distribution of humanitarian aid.
Israeli Army Warns Gaza Residents Against Entering the Sea
On Saturday, the Israeli military issued a warning to Gaza residents, prohibiting them from entering the sea. The military spokesperson stated that strict security measures have been enforced in the maritime area adjacent to the Gaza Strip, and any violations will be dealt with. Fishermen, swimmers, and divers were urged to refrain from entering the sea.
Médecins Sans Frontières: Unprecedented Rise in Malnutrition in Gaza
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warned that the residents of Gaza are facing a worsening crisis of hunger and malnutrition, with a severe shortage of food supplies. The organization reported an “unprecedented sharp rise” in acute malnutrition among the population. MSF’s centers in Gaza and the coastal town of Al-Mawassi are currently providing treatment to over 700 pregnant and breastfeeding women and about 500 children suffering from acute or moderate malnutrition. MSF also reported that the number of malnutrition cases at its center in Gaza City had nearly quadrupled in less than two months.
Gaza Death Toll Reaches 57,882
The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that the death toll from the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip has risen to 57,882, with 138,095 wounded since October 7, 2023. The ministry also reported 7,311 martyrs and 26,045 injuries since March 18, 2025, following the resumption of Israeli aggression. Additionally, 17 martyrs were added to the “aid martyrs” toll in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of casualties from the battle for food to 805 martyrs.
Gaza Municipality Warns of Health and Environmental Risks from Sewage Discharge into the Sea
The Gaza Municipality warned on Saturday of serious health and environmental consequences from the continued discharge of untreated sewage into the sea, due to damage to the pumping lines. Israeli airstrikes have destroyed Gaza’s water and sewage networks, exacerbating the water and sanitation crisis. The destruction includes facilities, stations, pipelines, and solar panels, severely affecting the surrounding environment.
EU to Sawa: Israeli Commitment to Significant Humanitarian Improvements in Gaza
Shadi Othman, spokesperson for the European Union in Palestine, confirmed Israel’s commitment to making significant improvements to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Following discussions with the Israeli government last week, the EU learned of plans to increase the number of daily trucks carrying food and non-food supplies, open additional crossings in the north and south, and resume the delivery of fuel for humanitarian facilities. This includes the restoration of electricity supplies to the water desalination plant, repairs to vital infrastructure, and the protection of aid workers.