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Aid Chaos Turns Deadly: Israeli Strike Kills 18 At Gaza Food Distribution Site

June 27, 2025, 2:02 am

An Israeli rocket struck a street in Gaza’s Deir al-Balah in central Gaza on Thursday, killing at least 18, hospital officials said. Witnesses reported the attack came at a group of people waiting to receive flour and other assistance from a Palestinian police patrol that had seized the items from looters.

The security force, Sahm, which falls under the Gaza Interior Ministry led by Hamas, was allegedly distributing the confiscated items when the attack took place. Killed were at least seven members of Sahm and a child, as verified by Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Gruesome video footage documented young men’s bodies, some brutally dismembered, lying on the pavement.

The episode is the most recent in a string of violent events that have occurred during the delivery of humanitarian relief in Gaza. Israel has permitted limited quantities to enter the strip since mid-May after a more than two-month-long blockade. Still, delivery by the United Nations has been interrupted by looting, desperate civilians, and armed mobs.

To fight back against the anarchy, Gaza’s tribal groups recently initiated their own campaign to guard convoys. The National Gathering of Palestinian Tribes and Clans convoyed a first-ever flour shipment into northern Gaza, maintaining that aid is now being secured for civilians rather than stolen, contrary to what Israel says.

Israeli officials, such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, blamed Hamas for diverting aid. The tribes, in turn, rejected the claims, calling them an excuse for renewed Israeli aggression.

In the meantime, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-funded private contractor, has begun distributing aid at designated southern sites. Access is still risky, with consistent reports of Israeli troops firing near distribution centers.

Late-night Israeli air raids killed at least 28 others, said Gaza’s Health Ministry, contributing to the mounting humanitarian crisis that has left more than 2 million Palestinians fighting for survival.

Israel Continues Airstrikes on Gaza, Killing at Least 60 Amid Global Outcry

May 20, 2025, 3:34 pm

Israel’s continuous airstrikes in Gaza have claimed a minimum of 60 lives, and the action has received broad international condemnation. Israel remains its aggressive military campaign against Hamas despite increased pressure.

The attacks hit family homes and a converted school shelter, amplifying the humanitarian situation in Gaza. This is after a month-long blockade subjected Gaza to its critical shortages of food, medicine, and fuel.

Intensifying Offensive and Limited Aid

Israel initiated this large-scale attack to free Hamas-held hostages and deconstruct the militant organization. The fighting has already killed over 300 people in recent days. Israel is set to capture Gaza land, uproot hundreds of thousands, and gain control of aid delivery.

Under international pressure, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu permitted limited amounts of aid into Gaza after the 2.5-month siege. Still, few trucks have arrived in the area—well short of the 600 trucks a day under a previous ceasefire.

Global Allies Threaten Sanctions

The world’s criticism of Israel is increasing. Canada, France, and the UK have warned Israel with “concrete actions,” i.e., sanctions if the offensive continues. They asked Israel to end what they termed as “egregious” attacks on Gaza civilians. PM Netanyahu dismissed these allegations as a “huge prize” for Hamas and advised that it might incite more violence.

Voices of Dissent Inside Israel

Criticism has also been coming from within Israel. Yair Golan, an ex-general and opposition lawmaker, accused Israel of being an “outcast among nations” because of its actions in Gaza. He denounced the killing of civilians, including children, and the target of population displacement.

PM Netanyahu immediately criticized Golan’s statements as “wild incitement” and “antisemitic blood libels.” Golan’s statements are not common in Israel, where public discussion primarily surrounds Netanyahu’s political intentions and not the humanitarian cost.

Heavy Civilian Deaths

Recent strikes targeted highly populated regions of Gaza. Two airstrikes in northern Gaza flattened a family house and a shelter serving as a school, killing 22 individuals, the majority women and children. Other attacks in Deir al-Balah, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Khan Younis took dozens of lives.

The Israeli army asserts that it only targets militants and lays the blame for civilian fatalities at the door of Hamas, accusing it of using tactics of launching operations from populated regions.

Human Cost of War

The conflict started with Hamas militants launching an attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 civilians and kidnapping 251 individuals. Israel’s counterattacks have brought destruction to Gaza, and over 53,000 Palestinians, primarily civilians, have died according to the Health Ministry. The numbers do not exclude combatants from non-combatants, highlighting the escalating humanitarian crisis.

The world looks on as tensions rise. The growing need for a ceasefire and access for aid becomes clearer with each bomb that falls and each life that is lost.

Gaza Hospital Struck in Israeli Attack | Watch

April 13, 2025, 11:31 am

There have been no casualties. The civil emergency service reports. The local reporter, who was reporting from the hospital, reported that an Israeli army officer phoned a doctor working in the emergency department and instructed them to vacate the hospital immediately.

“All patients and displaced people must go out to a safe distance,” the officer reportedly said.

“You have only 20 minutes to leave.”

Chaos as Patients and Staff Flee Near Hospital in Gaza

Videos posted on social media depicted employees and patients exiting the building while it was still night outside.

?BREAKING : Israeli forces have bombed the operating room of Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City. pic.twitter.com/1bLHhUuvf3

— Gaza Notifications (@gazanotice) April 12, 2025

Remember when Israel bombed the first hospital in Gaza and the world wouldn’t believe it and Israel blamed a misfired rocket from Hamas. Israel has now destroyed all hospitals in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/VONj5QTwt7

— Mohamad Safa (@mhdksafa) April 13, 2025

Palestinian women and children were also fleeing from an interior courtyard in the hospital where they had taken refuge.

Al-Ahli – a small clinic prior to the war – is now the sole remaining hospital operating in Gaza City after the Al-Shifa medical complex and northern Strip hospitals were destroyed.

Hamas Condemns Attack on Gaza Hospital

In its release, the Hamas government media office denounced the attack.

Israel “is perpetrating an atrocious crime by attacking Al-Ahli Hospital, which has hundreds of patients and medical personnel”, it stated.

In October 2023, the same hospital was attacked, and hundreds of people were killed.

A Palestinian attack was blamed by Palestinian officials on an Israeli strike for causing the blast. Israel attributed the blast to a botched rocket attack by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group, which did not accept responsibility.

Background: Conflict Since October 2023

The Israeli army initiated an operation to wipe out Hamas in retaliation for an unprecedented cross-border raid on 7 October 2023. During the attack, nearly 1,200 Israelis died. Additionally, 251 others were captured as hostages.

Over 50,933 have been killed in Gaza since then, the territory’s Hamas-ruled health ministry reported.

Of them, 1,563 have been martyred since 18 March, when Israel resumed its aggression in the Gaza Strip, the ministry added.

Gaza’s Tragedy Deepens: Airstrikes Claim 87 Lives As Humanitarian Crisis Escalates

October 20, 2024, 5:50 pm

Gaza’s health ministry reported that 87 people were killed or are missing under the rubble following an Israeli airstrike on Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza on Saturday. Over 40 others were injured in the attack. The Israeli military said they are reviewing the report, but previously claimed such figures were “exaggerated” without further elaboration. Gaza officials also reported that 73 people had been killed during the airstrikes.

United Nations’ special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, Tor Wennesland, condemned the relentless Israeli strikes in Gaza, highlighting the intensifying “nightmare” for civilians. In a statement, he emphasized the escalating humanitarian crisis, where civilians in northern Gaza have no safe places to seek refuge. Wennesland urged for an end to the conflict, calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas and the protection of civilians.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Palestinian territory also raised concerns, stating that insufficient aid is reaching Gaza. They warned that current aid deliveries are inadequate for the scale of the crisis, and criticized the lack of reliable access points for humanitarian supplies. Last week, the U.S. cautioned Israel about potential consequences, including halting weapons transfers, if more humanitarian aid is not allowed into Gaza.

Since Israel’s intensified assault on northern Gaza, aid organizations have reported a significant decrease in the delivery of food and medicine, raising concerns of forced displacement through starvation. Israeli officials deny deliberately blocking aid to the region.

Israeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut, Lebanon: 22 Dead, 117 Wounded

October 11, 2024, 8:00 am

Israeli airstrikes targeted Beirut’s Ras el-Nabaa neighbourhood late Thursday, killing at least 22 people and injuring 117, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, as reported by Al Jazeera. The strikes, which occurred without prior warning at midnight, struck two residential buildings in the heart of the Lebanese capital. One of the buildings hit was in an area housing many displaced individuals.

Third Strike Beyond Dahiyeh

This is the third Israeli airstrike outside of Beirut’s southern suburb, Dahiyeh, since Israel expanded its military operations in late September. Earlier strikes hit Beirut’s Kola on September 29 and Bachoura on October 3, according to Al Jazeera. The strikes mark an escalation in the conflict, impacting more central areas of Beirut.

Eyewitness Accounts and Aftermath

Eyewitnesses reported feeling the blast’s impact from nearly a mile away, with nearby buildings shaking and smoke rising from residential blocks. Residents were forced to flee their homes, gathering in open areas as emergency responders arrived at the scene. Videos shared by local news outlets, verified by Al Jazeera, revealed the devastation, with smoke and flames enveloping buildings in Ras el-Nabaa and al-Nuweiri.

Previous Strikes in Beirut

Earlier in the evening, Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported on X that 11 people were killed and 48 others wounded in Israeli airstrikes on Beirut. This attack marks the third such strike on Beirut’s central areas in recent weeks.

Death Toll from Gaza Strikes

In addition to the Beirut attacks, Al Jazeera reported that 63 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Thursday. This escalation in violence continues to impact civilian areas across both Lebanon and Gaza, with heavy casualties reported.

Netanyahu’s Speech at UN: Maps of ‘The Curse’ and ‘The Blessing’

September 28, 2024, 9:07 am

At the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented two maps representing the Middle East. In one hand, he held a black-colored map labeled “The Curse,” depicting Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, which he connected to Iran’s influence. In his other hand, the green-colored map, termed “The Blessing,” showed countries like Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and India, reflecting allies or potential allies of Israel. However, Palestine was notably absent from both maps.

Focus on Iranian Influence

Netanyahu linked the black map to the destabilizing role of Iran, emphasizing that Tehran and its allies were behind conflicts in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. He highlighted Iran’s financial and military support to Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis as proof of its involvement in regional violence.

Allies in the Green Zone

Countries shown in green on Netanyahu’s map, including Egypt, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia, were described as either allies or potential allies, representing nations that had normalized relations with Israel or were in discussions to do so.

Warning to Iran

In his address, Netanyahu warned Iran, “If you strike us, we will strike you,” stating that Israel’s military presence extended across the Middle East. He justified Israel’s military actions in Lebanon and Gaza as necessary responses to Iranian aggression.

Diplomatic Walkouts

During Netanyahu’s speech, many diplomats left the assembly hall in protest of his remarks.

Saudi Arabia’s Complex Role

Netanyahu included Saudi Arabia in the “blessing” map, reflecting ongoing efforts, led by the Biden administration, to broker a normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia has maintained that any normalization would require the establishment of a Palestinian state, complicating the process amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Egypt’s Continued Cooperation

Egypt’s inclusion on the green map was not surprising given its long-standing peace treaty with Israel. Though the relationship has been strained, Egypt continues to play a key role in maintaining regional stability, especially concerning Gaza. Cooperation on energy and security has deepened, even as Egypt distances itself from Israel’s more aggressive tactics in Gaza.

Sudan’s Shift in Relations

Sudan, which signed the Abraham Accords in 2021, was also part of the “blessing” group. The accords, brokered by the US, marked a significant shift for Sudan, which had been hostile toward Israel for years. Normalizing relations with Israel has allowed Sudan to improve ties with the US and regional powers like the UAE.

India’s Strategic Partnership

India’s inclusion in the green zone reflected its growing strategic ties with Israel, especially in defense and technology. Though India has historically supported Palestinian self-determination, its relationship with Israel has strengthened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership as part of broader geopolitical realignment.

Israeli Army Gears Up for Potential Ground Invasion in Lebanon as Tensions with Hezbollah Intensify

September 26, 2024, 8:38 am

The Israeli military has instructed its troops to brace for a potential ground invasion of Lebanon, following the militant group Hezbollah’s largest strike on Israel in retaliation for airstrikes on Lebanon that reportedly killed over 550 people. This marks a significant escalation in the conflict that has persisted for weeks, according to reports by AP News.

Hezbollah’s Deepest Attack

In a dramatic turn on Wednesday, Hezbollah fired dozens of projectiles, including a missile aimed at Israel’s capital, Tel Aviv. This attack represents the group’s deepest strike since the Gaza war began on October 7 last year. The assault came in response to Israel’s intensive airstrikes, which allegedly targeted Hezbollah’s weapon depots in southern and eastern Lebanon.

Ongoing Conflict Along the Border

The conflict has led to regular skirmishes and rocket attacks along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. Hezbollah claims these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians facing harsh Israeli military strikes in Gaza. Tensions continue to mount as both sides exchange fire almost daily.

Key Developments in the Escalation

Israeli Army Prepares for Possible Invasion

Israeli Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, urged soldiers stationed in the north to prepare for potential ground operations in Lebanon. “Hezbollah expanded its range of fire, and later today, they will receive a very strong response. Prepare yourselves,” Halevi warned, emphasizing that the ongoing airstrikes are designed to set the stage for a ground invasion if necessary.

Shifting U.S. and Israeli Stance

While Israel and the U.S. had previously stated there were no immediate plans for a ground invasion of Lebanon, recent developments suggest a shift. These latest remarks represent the most explicit signal of a possible escalation.

Diplomatic Efforts for a Ceasefire

The U.S. has been working with international partners at the UN Security Council to push for a temporary ceasefire to ease tensions and allow displaced residents in Israel and Lebanon to return to their homes.

Blinken Warns of Disaster

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for restraint, warning that an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah would be “disastrous” for the entire region and its people.

France Supports Ceasefire Proposal

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that France is working alongside the U.S. on a 21-day ceasefire proposal to pave the way for peace talks between Israel and Hezbollah. Barrot is expected to travel to Beirut later this week to promote the plan.

Call for Protection of Civilians

Barrot emphasized the importance of both parties accepting the ceasefire proposal quickly to protect civilian lives and allow diplomatic negotiations to begin.

Israel Open to Diplomacy

Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, expressed openness to diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation. “We are grateful for all of those who are making a sincere effort with diplomacy to avoid a full war,” Danon said.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Appeals to the UN

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged the UN Security Council to act swiftly, calling for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories and an end to Israel’s daily violations.

President Biden’s Warning

U.S. President Joe Biden cautioned about the risk of an “all-out” war, saying that a ceasefire in Lebanon could potentially help address broader conflicts in the West Bank and Gaza as well.

UN’s Plea for Immediate Ceasefire

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate halt to hostilities, stating that “hell is breaking loose.” The UN reports that over 90,000 Lebanese people have been displaced in just five days of Israeli airstrikes, with more than 200,000 displaced since the conflict began on October 7.

The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is causing widespread displacement and destruction, with international leaders pushing for urgent ceasefire measures to prevent further devastation.

Islamic Jihad And Hamas Claim Tel Aviv Bombing Amid Ceasefire Push

August 19, 2024, 4:56 pm

The armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad took responsibility for a bomb explosion near a synagogue in Tel Aviv on Monday. Israeli police and the Shin Bet intelligence agency have labeled the incident a terrorist attack. The blast occurred late Sunday, killing the man carrying the bomb and injuring a passerby.

The militant groups have stated that such “martyrdom operations” will continue in Israel as long as “occupation’s massacres and assassination policy” persist—referencing Israel’s recent military actions in Gaza and the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. Israel has not officially commented on its involvement in Haniyeh’s death.

The conflict in Gaza began on October 7 of last year when Hamas fighters breached the border, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources. In response, Israel’s military campaign has devastated large parts of the Gaza Strip, with health authorities in Gaza reporting at least 40,000 deaths.

The explosion in Tel Aviv occurred shortly after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s arrival in the city, where he is advocating for a ceasefire to end the ongoing 10-month war between Israel and Hamas. There is heightened concern about potential regional escalation, particularly following Iran’s threats of retaliation for Haniyeh’s assassination.

Polio Returns To Gaza After 25 Years: Urgent Vaccination Push Amid War

August 17, 2024, 1:00 pm

Gaza Strip has confirmed its first polio case in 25 years, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. This follows a recent call from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for humanitarian pauses in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict to facilitate vaccination efforts. The case was identified in a 10-month-old child from central Gaza who was unvaccinated. Testing in Jordan confirmed the presence of the disease.

UN Appeals for Vaccination Pauses

Guterres has urged for two seven-day breaks in the fighting to enable vaccination of over 640,000 children in Gaza. The UN reports that, although polio has not been detected in Gaza for a quarter-century, type 2 poliovirus was found in wastewater samples collected in June. Polio, a highly infectious disease often spread through contaminated water, can cause severe complications including paralysis and death, primarily affecting young children.

Vaccination Campaign Plans

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have outlined plans for two vaccination drives targeting type 2 poliovirus (cVDPV2) in late August. To execute these plans, they stress the need for temporary cessation of hostilities to ensure safe access for health workers and families. “A ceasefire is essential to guarantee public health security in Gaza and neighboring regions,” the agencies stated. More than 1.6 million doses of the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) are expected to be delivered by the end of August, with distribution facilitated through Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport.

Context of the Conflict

The outbreak coincides with the intensification of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began after a significant Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The ongoing war has resulted in extensive casualties, with over 40,000 reported dead in Gaza according to the health ministry there. The re-emergence of polio amidst this crisis highlights the urgent need for a coordinated international response to prevent further spread of the disease.

Israeli Airstrike on Gaza School Claims Around 100 Lives

August 10, 2024, 9:41 am

Gaza’s civil defense agency reported on Saturday that the death toll from an Israeli attack on a school in Gaza City has reached between 90 and 100. According to Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for the agency, “The death toll is now between 90 to 100 and there are dozens more wounded. Three Israeli rockets hit the school that was housing displaced Palestinians.” The Gaza government media office has stated there were “more than 100 martyrs” in the strike.

Israel’s military claimed that it had “precisely struck Hamas terrorists operating within a Hamas command and control center embedded in the Al-Taba’een school.”

Earlier, on Thursday, the agency reported that Israeli airstrikes had targeted two schools in Gaza City, resulting in over 18 fatalities. The Israeli military at that time stated that these strikes targeted Hamas command centers.

The conflict in Gaza began with a Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in 1,198 deaths, mostly civilians, according to AFP’s count based on Israeli figures. Palestinian militants captured 251 hostages, with 111 still held in Gaza, including 39 who the Israeli military claims are deceased.

Israel’s response has been extensive, with its campaign in Gaza resulting in at least 39,699 deaths, according to the Gaza health ministry controlled by Hamas. This figure does not differentiate between civilian and militant casualties.

Israel has pledged to eradicate Hamas in response to the October attack. However, after 10 months of conflict, Israeli forces have been forced to re-engage in areas like Khan Yunis, a southern Gaza city, where they had previously withdrawn in April following intense battles.

On Friday, the Israeli military issued an evacuation order for parts of Khan Yunis. Images from AFPTV showed people moving through the damaged streets on foot, donkeys, and motorcycle carts carrying their belongings.

The UN humanitarian office OCHA estimated that “at least 60,000 Palestinians may have moved towards western Khan Yunis in the past 72 hours,” according to UN spokeswoman Florencia Soto Nino.

The ongoing war in Gaza has also drawn in Iran-aligned groups, increasing concerns about a potential broader conflict in the Middle East following the killing of two senior militants, including Hamas’s political leader.

Family Of Slain Hamas Hostage Shares Shocking Video Of Abuse In Gaza

August 4, 2024, 1:21 pm

The grieving family of Eitan Levi, a slain Hamas hostage, has released a disturbing video showing civilians in Gaza kicking and abusing his corpse on the streets. The footage, initially shared on Instagram by user Yoseph Haddad, captures the brutal treatment Levi’s body endured after his kidnapping and murder.

The video, captioned by Haddad, reads, “This is a shocking video from October 7 of the kidnapping of Eitan Levy, who was murdered and kidnapped to Gaza where his body was brutally lynched in the plaza of a mosque! These are the ‘innocent civilians of Gaza!’ 43 weeks have passed but we won’t forgive or forget for a moment!!! Eitan and all the hostages must be returned and every single one of these purveyors of death must be destroyed.”

The graphic footage shows Levi’s body being dragged into Gaza in the back of a vehicle, followed by a mob of Gazans chasing the car and stomping on his lifeless body.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by יוסף חדאד – Yoseph Haddad (@yosephhaddad)

Levi, 52, was a taxi driver from Bat Yam who was at Kibbutz Be’eri to drop off a passenger on October 7 last year when Hamas attacked Israel. While the exact circumstances of his death remain unclear, his family believes that Hamas terrorists either prevented him from leaving or his cab was hit by a drone or missile. In December, Hamas confirmed Levi’s death, and it is believed that Hamas terrorists still possess his body.

The release of the video has sparked outrage and horror among viewers. Comments on the video reflect the widespread shock and condemnation of the act. One user remarked, “Kicking a dead body has to be the most cowardly thing a man can do. So vile,” while another expressed support for Israel, stating, “Stand with Israel on its most rightful war against terror.” Others highlighted the inhumanity of the perpetrators, with one user commenting, “I still can’t understand the ‘glee’ these perpetrators exhibit when committing their crimes – it is without normal humanity of any kind and is sickening and sick.”

The brutal treatment of Levi’s body has been described by many as “horrific and unforgivable.” The family and supporters continue to call for the return of all hostages and for those responsible to be brought to justice.

Hamas Offers ‘Complete Agreement’ if Israel Halts Gaza Offensive

May 31, 2024, 1:32 pm

Palestinian terror organization Hamas on Thursday said that it would refrain from engaging in any negotiations with Israel amidst the latter’s ongoing aggression in Rafah. However, it would agree to a “complete agreement” including an exchange of hostages and prisoners if Israel stopped the war. Talks between the two, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, have repeatedly been stalled.

Hamas’ statement comes as Israel Defence Forces (IDF) pressed with their offensive in Gaza’s Rafah Governorate, despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Jewish forces to stop the attack. Under PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration, they have also seized control of a buffer zone along the Gaza Strip’s border with Egypt. This has effectively granted Israel authority over the entirety of the Palestinian territory’s land border.

More than 36,200 people have been killed in Gaza while more than 500 people have been killed in West Bank, as per Al Jazeera. The October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of 1,139 while nearly 8,700 people were injured. At present 125 hostages remain in Hamas’ captivity, 121 were captured during the attack.

Israeli Strikes Kill 37 Near Gaza’s Rafah Amid Offensive

May 29, 2024, 2:32 pm

Israeli shelling and airstrikes killed at least 37 people, most of them sheltering in tents, near the southern Gaza city of Rafah on Monday night and Tuesday, according to witnesses, emergency workers, and hospital officials. This area had been hit by strikes days earlier, causing a deadly fire in a camp for displaced Palestinians.

The tent camp fire has sparked international outrage, even among some of Israel’s closest allies, due to the military’s escalating offensive in Rafah. In response to the incident, Spain, Norway, and Ireland formally recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday.

The Israeli military suggested that the blaze might have been caused by secondary explosions, potentially from Palestinian militants’ weapons. The initial probe into the fire, issued Tuesday, indicated that the munitions used by the military were too small to have caused such a large fire, but the investigation is ongoing. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the fire as a “tragic mishap.”

Since the assault on Rafah began on May 6, more than 1 million people have fled the city, according to the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. Many were already displaced multiple times in the nearly eight-month conflict between Israel and Hamas. Families are now scattered across makeshift tent camps and other war-ravaged areas.

Recent strikes have targeted areas west of Rafah, which were not under evacuation orders. Israeli ground troops and tanks are operating in eastern Rafah, central parts of the city, and along the Gaza-Egypt border. Shelling on Monday night and Tuesday morning hit Rafah’s Tel al-Sultan district, killing at least 16 people, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense and the Palestinian Red Crescent.

“It was a night of horror,” said Abdel-Rahman Abu Ismail, a Gaza City resident now sheltering in Tel al-Sultan. He described hearing constant explosions and seeing jets and drones overhead, reminiscent of a previous heavy bombing campaign in his neighborhood of Shijaiyah.

The United States and other Israeli allies have warned against a full-scale offensive in Rafah, with the Biden administration stating that such an action would cross a “red line” and refusing to supply offensive arms for it. On Friday, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its Rafah offensive, though it lacks the power to enforce this order.

On Tuesday afternoon, an Israeli drone strike hit tents near a field hospital west of Rafah, killing at least 21 people, including 13 women, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Ahmed Nassar, a witness, said his relatives were among the victims, noting that most of those in the tents had fled from Gaza City earlier in the war.

Netanyahu has pledged to continue the offensive, aiming to dismantle Hamas and retrieve hostages taken during the Oct. 7 attack that initiated the war. The Israeli military released satellite images of what it claims was a Hamas rocket launch site near the targeted area of the tent camp fire, asserting that their munitions alone could not have caused such a large blaze.

The conflict has forced many to flee Rafah, with families seeking refuge in the crowded Muwasi area or Khan Younis, another heavily damaged southern city. Sayed al-Masri, a Rafah resident, described the worsening situation and the challenges of accessing humanitarian aid due to the fighting.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that two medical facilities in Tel al-Sultan are out of service due to nearby bombings, leaving medics, patients, and displaced people trapped inside. Most hospitals in Gaza are no longer operational, and Rafah’s Kuwait Hospital shut down after a strike killed two health workers.

The World Health Organization expressed concern over the overwhelming casualties from Sunday’s strike and fire, highlighting the shortage of supplies and skilled medical personnel. Dr. Margaret Harris noted the difficulty of providing necessary intensive care for severe burns in the current conditions.

The war began with a surprise attack by Hamas and other militants on southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 civilians and abducting about 250. Israel responded with a massive offensive, resulting in over 36,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The fighting has displaced about 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population, with parts of the territory experiencing famine.

The conflict in Rafah has made it nearly impossible for humanitarian groups to distribute aid. Although the Israeli military claims to have allowed hundreds of trucks through the Kerem Shalom crossing, aid groups report difficulties in accessing the aid due to ongoing fighting. The U.N. has managed to collect aid from only about 170 trucks over the past three weeks, far below the 600 trucks a day that are needed.

All Eyes On Rafah: Gaza’s Cry – Is the World Turning a Blind Eye to Rafah?

May 29, 2024, 9:17 am

In recent days, Israeli shelling and airstrikes have killed at least 45 people in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. This has led to people support Rafah by posting the phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” for their support. Most victims were sheltering in tents. The assault began late Sunday after Hamas launches rockets at Tel Aviv, which were mostly intercepted by Israeli defenses.

Despite a UN court order to halt operations in Rafah, Israeli forces have intensified their assault on the border town, once seen as a last refuge for many. The phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” is trending on social media, with global support pouring in for Palestinians affected by the strikes. Celebrities and activists are using the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah to express solidarity.

Rafah, a crucial entry point for humanitarian aid, has seen intensified fighting since Israel stepped up its military offensive earlier this month and seized control of the crossing. The conflict has displaced over a million Palestinians, many of whom were already displaced by the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

Palestinians have been forced to move repeatedly within Gaza, seeking safety from Israeli attacks. After being advised to evacuate the north, many relocated to Rafah, only to face renewed assaults there. The Hamas-run health ministry reported that Israeli shelling around health facilities in Rafah has left only one operational hospital.

Humanitarian groups warn of a spiraling crisis in Gaza as the fighting in Rafah has cut off main aid routes. Despite global condemnation and a US warning, Israeli officials have vowed to continue the strikes.

Gaza security officers reported that Israeli tanks are now positioned in central and southwest Rafah. The United Nations has issued warnings about a looming famine, particularly in northern Gaza. UN Chief António Guterres voiced concerns about increasing malnutrition in the south following the Rafah incursion.

The conflict in Gaza erupted after Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel, which killed over 1,170 people, mostly civilians. In retaliation, Israel’s offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 36,096 people in Gaza.

Global leaders are questioning how long President Joe Biden will tolerate the Israeli assault on Rafah, especially after the International Court of Justice, the UN’s top court, ordered a halt to the operation. Both the US and Israel are members of the court, adding to the complexity and urgency of the situation.

As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. International observers and aid organizations are calling for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of humanitarian aid to the affected areas.

Israeli Advisory Committee to Review Treatment of Imprisoned Hamas Terrorists

May 29, 2024, 9:10 am

Israel’s top military officer has formed an advisory committee to review the conditions of imprisoned Hamas terrorists captured since October 7, according to an announcement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday.

This decision by IDF Chief of Staff Lt-Gen Herzi Halevi follows a mid-May CNN report alleging that Hamas terrorists detained in Gaza were tortured and mistreated at three Israeli detention facilities.

Terror suspects captured in Gaza are initially held at IDF’s Sde Teiman, Anatot, and Ofer bases before being transferred to the Israel Prison Service. “However, due to the unprecedented number of detainees and the overcrowding in facilities of the Israel Prison Service, many of those apprehended have been held in IDF detention facilities for extended periods of time, beyond what was expected. Meanwhile, allegations have been raised regarding the conditions in these facilities,” the IDF stated.

Approximately 2,300 Palestinian terror suspects have been detained in Gaza since Israel commenced its ground invasion on October 27.

The five-member committee will evaluate the conditions in the detention facilities, ensuring they comply with international law, and will submit its recommendations within three weeks.

On October 7, Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border resulted in at least 1,200 deaths and the taking of 252 hostages, both Israelis and foreigners. Out of the 125 remaining hostages, 39 are believed to be dead.

Israel Hamas war: Indian Employee killed as Vehicle Comes Under Attack in Rafah

May 14, 2024, 10:29 am

Officials reported on Tuesday that an Indian employee of the UN lost his life in Gaza after an attack in Rafah targeted his vehicle.

According to sources, an Indian employee of the UN was murdered in Gaza after an attack on his car occurred in Rafah, marking the organization’s “first international” casualty since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.

As the UN vehicle proceeded to the European Hospital in Rafah, it was attacked. A staff member of the UN Department of Safety and Security (DSS) lost their life as a result.

As they were travelling to the European Hospital in Rafah this morning, a UN vehicle was struck, resulting in the death of one DSS employee and the injury of another, according to Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, who made the announcement on Monday.

The statement continued to adding, “The secretary-general calls for a full investigation and condemns all attacks on UN personnel.”

Israeli Military Issues Urgent Rafah Evacuation: Know Why?

May 6, 2024, 1:31 pm

The Israeli military has issued a critical evacuation notice to residents of eastern Rafah, citing an imminent “intense action” in the area, according to a report by CNN. Avichay Adraee, head of the Arab media division of the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, urged residents to evacuate promptly to designated humanitarian areas at checkpoints for their safety. This directive specifically targets individuals residing in the municipality of Al-Shawka and the neighborhoods of Al-Salam, Al-Jneina, Tiba Zaraa, and Al-Bayouk in the Rafah area.

The announcement comes amidst ongoing bombardment in Gaza, which has resulted in significant devastation since October 7. Many residents of Rafah, who have already been displaced multiple times, now face the prospect of further displacement amid escalating conflict, as reported by CNN.

Humanitarian agencies have expressed concerns about a full-scale ground invasion of Rafah, warning of heightened suffering and casualties among the 1.2 million displaced Palestinians in and around the city. Northern Gaza is already grappling with severe famine, worsened by months of conflict, as highlighted by the World Food Programme.

Colonel Nadav Shoshani, the IDF’s international spokesperson, described the evacuation as a “limited scope operation” aimed at temporary relocation rather than a widespread evacuation. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galant’s remarks to troops inside Gaza suggest preparations for intensified military action in Rafah and other areas.

This development follows the closure of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, a vital lifeline for humanitarian aid, after being targeted by rocket attacks claimed by Hamas’ military wing, resulting in casualties among IDF soldiers.

The decision to evacuate eastern Rafah raises concerns about the safety of displaced civilians and the lack of a secure refuge within Gaza. Previous evacuation orders have drawn criticism from international bodies and humanitarian organizations, highlighting the absence of safe havens amid ongoing conflict, as per CNN’s report.