Israeli closure of northern crossing to aid points will directly affect distribution, say aid officials – Middle East crisis live

A month after aid distribution restarted in Gaza, the situation remains dangerously chaotic. BBC Verify analyzed multiple videos showing scenes of panic, violence, and even killings as desperate crowds try to access food and supplies. Instead of relief, the aid system has become another flashpoint in the crisis.

The US Supreme Court is gearing up for a major ruling on birthright citizenship—a decision that could reshape immigration policy and challenge long-standing constitutional interpretations. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is reportedly preparing executive actions to boost energy supplies, likely to support the growing AI sector. And in the background, tensions between the US and China continue to simmer.

Israel has shut down the Zikim crossing—the most direct route for delivering food aid to central and southern Gaza—prompting aid officials to warn of immediate disruptions to distribution. Meanwhile, Gaza’s government reports that over 500 Palestinians have been killed and 4,000 injured in the past month while attempting to access humanitarian supplies.

The UK government has backed down on its controversial welfare reform bill after facing pressure from over 120 Labour MPs who were set to vote against it. Downing Street admitted they'd "listened to concerns" about the speed of changes, framing the retreat as a way to protect vulnerable claimants. Meanwhile, the Tories are seizing on the reversal, calling it a "humiliating U-turn" for Labour leader Keir Starmer.

Glastonbury Festival is kicking off with a bang, and The Guardian’s liveblog is your backstage pass to all the action. Today’s highlights include electrifying sets from Lorde, Wet Leg, and the much-hyped CMAT, whose Pyramid Stage performance is already being called a defining moment of the summer. Plus, keep an eye out for surprise secret sets and the usual festival weirdness.