Where’s Gaza Amidst the Tensions of the Middle East?
Where’s Gaza Amidst the Tensions of the Middle East?
By Rena Elhessen / Arab America Contributing Writer
Gaza has lost media coverage amidst the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Though media outlets continue to pivot their attention to the Iran-Israel conflict, people must not forget Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, Israel has unleashed a war on Gaza, and this conflict continues to gain mass media attention. Just weeks ago, the famine in Gaza had significant media attention. Amid the Freedom Flotilla and the March to Gaza, came increased calls to end the Israeli siege of Gaza and permit aid to enter the borders. However, these calls are now silent and lost with the beginning of the Israel-Iran war.
Events in Gaza
The heightened tensions in the Middle East created widespread panic this week. News sources eagerly covered the story, yet minimized perhaps one of the greatest ongoing crises in the region. As the war in Gaza continues for its 627th day, Gazans are dying from a blockade-induced famine and increased shootings at Gaza ‘Humanitarian’ Foundation hubs.
Freedom Flotilla: A Gaza Aid Mission
In early June, the Madleen, a UK-flagged vessel operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, set sail for Gaza from Sicily. Its goal was simple: break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza by delivering its cargo. It had a small cargo of aid: baby formula, flour, rice, medical kits, menstrual supplies, and even prosthetics for children. Among the 12 activists onboard were Greta Thunberg and MEP Rima Hassan.
On June 9, Israeli naval forces intercepted the ship in international waters, approximately 185–200 km off Gaza. Israeli drones surrounded the vessel, jammed communications, and sprayed white substances onto the deck. Following the ship’s capture, the crew was ordered to surrender before being towed to Ashdod and detained.
Thunberg was deported, being denied the conditions of illegal entry. Activists who were on board continue to call for urgent humanitarian access to Gaza, now teetering on the brink of famine after an 11-week siege.
The March to Gaza
In response to the Palestinian need for aid, international activists planned a Global March to Gaza, intending to walk from Al-Arish, Egypt, to the Rafah border. The initiative drew support from hundreds of civil society groups and envisioned a sit‑in at Rafah between June 15–19.
A Soumoud Convoy, roughly 1,500 activists and 100 vehicles, began in Tunisia. They managed to cross Libya and arrived near Egypt’s western border. Despite having visas, dozens of foreigners were stopped at Cairo International Airport then expelled. On June 14, Egyptian forces forcibly dispersed activists at checkpoints, including confrontations near Ismailia, citing national security concerns.
By June 16, the march was abandoned. Over 200 were detained in Cairo, passports confiscated, and nearly 500 foreign participants deported. Egyptian authorities emphasized that any such demonstration near Rafah required formal approval, stressing that Sinai remains a closed military zone.
Emerging Israel-Iran Tensions
Just as global attention turned toward Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, the headlines shifted in late June. A fresh and alarming confrontation, the Israel–Iran military escalation, has emerged, overshadowing the Gaza campaigns.
Waves of Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted Iranian nuclear and military installations, prompting Tehran to respond with missile launches towards Israeli territory. This conflict has carried on for twelve days, intensifying fears of a military clash between two nuclear-capable nations.
Media coverage that once spotlighted Gaza’s famine and solidarity efforts has waned. News outlets are now repositioning their focus toward assessing this Israel–Iran tit-for-tat. Analyzing the prospect of an expanded warfront drawing in Lebanon’s Hezbollah or Gulf nations.
Gaza’s Future
U.S. President Donald Trump brokered a fragile Israel–Iran ceasefire and announced it on June 23. It officially came into effect after a 12‑day military exchange involving aerial strikes and missile volleys between the two nations. Though the ceasefire remains in effect, both sides have accused the other of firing, with Israel pausing further strikes on Iran at Trump’s behest.
Amidst these tensions, Gaza continues to bear the brunt of relentless violence. Earlier this week, Israeli forces killed at least 29 Palestinians, including 19 near an aid-distribution center at Al-Awda Hospital, and launched deadly airstrikes across Rafah and Gaza City.
Since the creation of humanitarian-led food distribution centers, more than 400 people have reportedly died due to Israeli attacks at these sites over the past two days. With Gaza’s humanitarian infrastructure collapsing amid power blackouts and severe famine conditions, the world needs to turn its eyes to Gaza once again.
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