Israel’s government has publicly dismissed warnings of extreme food shortages after it blocked aid deliveries, but an internal analysis concluded that a crisis looms if food supplies are not restored.

U.S. officials told families of hostages still held in Gaza they see a better chance of a deal for their release after Washington reached an accord with militant group Hamas for an American hostage that largely bypassed the Israeli government.

Food security experts say the Gaza Strip is at critical risk of famine if Israel doesn’t lift its blockade and stop its military campaign.

Adam Boehler, U.S. President Donald Trump's Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, speaks to the media as he and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff visit the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel May 13, 2025. REUTERS/Nir Elias

Gaza's entire population is experiencing "critical" levels of hunger amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, according to a report published Monday.

Edan Alexander, who was raised in New Jersey, is believed to be the last living U.S. citizen held captive in Gaza.

For more episodes of this podcast, please click here.

Popular children's content creator Ms. Rachel addresses backlash over her Gaza conflict comments, explaining to Mehdi Hasan why she spoke out despite controversy in the Israel-Hamas war.