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Israeli Strikes Kill 20 in Gaza Amid Netanyahu’s US Visit

July 9, 2025, 2:59 pm

Gaza’s civilian defence agency said Wednesday that 20 individuals, including at least six children, were killed in two Israeli overnight air strikes. The first attack struck a tent that was a temporary home for displaced residents in Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza, just after midnight local time (2100 Tuesday GMT). A second attack followed shortly thereafter, striking a camp in the north.

When contacted by AFP, the Israeli military indicated that it was investigating the reports.

Strikes as Netanyahu Visits US

The attacks were made as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sat down with US President Donald Trump in Washington, where they addressed the current operation against Hamas in Gaza. After their meeting, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s goals: the liberation of all hostages seized during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, and the elimination of Hamas’s ‘military and governing capabilities’.

Casualty Details and Eyewitness Accounts

On Tuesday, Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that 29 had been killed in Israeli airstrikes across the enclave, most of them displaced by nearly 21 months of fighting.

Bassal detailed that the initial air strike on Wednesday killed 10 family members from the same family who were seeking shelter in the Al-Mawasi district of Khan Yunis. The second strike targeted Al-Shati camp, which is located close to Gaza City, injuring more than 30 individuals. The casualties were two separate families, he continued.

40-year-old Zuhair Judeh said the effect of the explosion on Al-Shati: “The explosion was huge, like an earthquake. It destroyed the house and a number of the surrounding houses. The martyrs’ bodies and remnants were scattered,” referring to it as ‘a horrific massacre’.

Abeer al-Sharbati, 36, who had been in a nearby tent with family members, described the bombing as ‘horrible’. She said, “You don’t know when or why they’ll bomb you. We have nothing to do but to leave ourselves in the hands of God.”

Some individuals were missing and feared trapped under debris, residents said.

Because of limitations on media access and reporting in Gaza, AFP could not independently confirm numbers of casualties and other information relayed by parties to the conflict.

Wider Context of the War

Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel killed 1,219, mostly civilians, by an AFP count based on Israeli official data. Of the 251 hostages kidnapped that day, 49 are still in Gaza, of whom 27 are said to be dead by the Israeli military.

Israel’s retaliatory campaign has taken at least 57,575 lives in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to the enclave’s Hamas-run health ministry figures, which are deemed credible by the United Nations.

How Does the New Gaza Ceasefire Deal Differ From the March Agreement?

July 4, 2025, 3:00 pm

U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel has agreed to a 60-day Gaza ceasefire, a notion far from new. The two-month truce has been on the table since the previous fragile ceasefire collapsed in March. The same proposal was raised in May but was rejected by Hamas as not being anything more than a ruse for Israel to stop and resume its military operation, not create long-term peace.

As the Gaza humanitarian crisis continues to intensify, people are wondering if this new plan will be the result of anything different.

What’s in the New Proposal?

Facilitated by Qatar, the draft apparently calls for ten surviving hostages and the bodies of 18 others to be released by Hamas within the 60-day period. To this, Israel would release a number of Palestinian detainees.

If a full-fledged agreement is struck, the remaining 22 hostages will be released too. This phase is supposed to set the stage for negotiations regarding a definitive cessation of hostilities and an arrangement for post-war Gaza management.

But these conditions are remarkably similar to the three-phase, eight-week agreement that was initiated in January and collapsed following only the first stage of hostage releases. Negotiations for peace have repeatedly broken down since then.

Differing Goals of Hamas and Israel

For Hamas, a ceasefire must come after the end of the war and the total Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. For Israel, Hamas must be totally dismantled, its military wing disarmed, and its leaders exiled. These opposed goals still stand in the way of a lasting solution.

Why This Ceasefire Might Be Different

Some issues point towards this latest effort having a greater probability of success. Among the most important are the recent so-called ’12-day war’ between Israel and Iran. Israel celebrated this as a strategic victory that diminished Iran’s nuclear power though analysts warn the situation is far more nuanced.

This perceived victory provides Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with political capital to try for a ceasefire, even over the objections of far-right coalition leaders who once threatened to bring down his government.

The battle between Iran and Israel, in which the U.S. conducted contentious airstrikes at Iranian nuclear facilities, also reignited Trump’s Middle East emphasis.

Throughout his first term, Trump was not eager to put pressure on Israel to advance beyond the first stage of the last ceasefire, which permitted war to resume by March.

Now, having militarily supported Israel against Iran, Trump has tremendous leverage over Netanyahu—leverage he could use during Netanyahu’s visit to Washington.

Both leaders also envision Iran’s weakened condition as an opportunity to enlarge the Abraham Accords, the deals Trump negotiated normalizing Israeli relations with a number of Arab states. Netanyahu has been particularly interested in a similar U.S.-sanctioned agreement with Saudi Arabia, and preliminary talks are even reported with Syria. These plans can’t go forward, though, as long as Gaza is under war.

Old and New Challenges

Despite this potential opening, many obstacles persist. It’s unclear whether the proposed terms will include solid guarantees preventing Israel from resuming hostilities after the 60-day period. Meanwhile, new complications have emerged since the last round of negotiations.

Hamas now demands a return to age-old aid distribution or even disbanding of the disputed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which substituted more than 400 former aid centers with only four within militarized zones.

Over 400 individuals have been killed since May 26 while attempting to seek assistance in the vicinity of these GHF centers. More than 170 international NGOs and charities called for its closure.

At the same time, Israel’s military control over Gaza has grown. Over 80% of Gaza is subject to evacuation orders, and new orders for northern Gaza and Gaza City were issued on June 29 and July 2.

Israeli leaders claim the operations are pressure on Hamas to sign a ceasefire agreement, although Netanyahu has publicly acknowledged plans for a permanent military presence in Gaza. He recently insisted Israel would have ‘full security control of Gaza’ after the war.

A Narrow Window for Peace

Despite these challenges, there is a narrow opportunity for a breakthrough. Trump is now more inclined to facilitate a ceasefire, and Netanyahu has an unusual political opportunity to sign a deal that can also bring back the hostages.

Meanwhile, Hamas has been weakened not just by Israel’s unremitting attacks but also by increasing frustration among the residents of Gaza, who long for peace.

There are myriad reasons to end the war in Gaza. The question is whether Hamas and Israel have the will to finally do so.

Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens in Gaza as Ceasefire Talks Continue

July 4, 2025, 7:39 am

Israeli airstrikes across Gaza have killed at least 69 Palestinians, as the country’s military has ramped up its operations. These attacks come at a time when Hamas is reportedly reviewing a ceasefire offer mediated by the United States.

Strike Hits School Shelter, Dozens Dead

According to Gaza’s Hamas-run Civil Defence agency, an Israeli airstrike hit a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City. This attack killed 15 people, mostly women and children, who had sought refuge there. The shelter was located in the al-Rimal neighborhood.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it targeted the school, saying it was trying to eliminate a “key” Hamas member hiding inside.

More Deaths Reported During Aid Distribution

Meanwhile, 38 more people reportedly died while waiting for aid or heading to get it. However, the Israeli military denied responsibility. It dismissed these reports as false, calling them “lies.”

IDF Claims It Hit 150 Targets

On Thursday, the Israeli military said its aircraft had struck around 150 locations across Gaza within 24 hours. These included tunnel sites, fighters, and weapons caches, according to the IDF.

Trump Pushes for Ceasefire and Safety in Gaza

US President Donald Trump announced that Israel has agreed to a ceasefire plan. He urged Hamas to accept it as well. Trump also said he hopes for peace and security for Palestinians living in Gaza.

“I want the people of Gaza to be safe more importantly,” Trump said when asked if he still planned for the US to take control of the territory, as he suggested in February.

“I want to see safety for the people of Gaza. They’ve gone through hell.”

Trump is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week in Washington to push forward the ceasefire talks.

Netanyahu Reaffirms Hostage Rescue Promise

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, meanwhile, promised to bring back all hostages still held in Gaza. He spoke to residents of Nir Oz, a kibbutz where many were kidnapped during the October 2023 Hamas attacks.

“I feel a deep commitment, first and foremost, to ensure the return of all our abductees, all of them,” Netanyahu told the community.
“We will bring them all back,” he added in a video released by his office.

Netanyahu is also set to meet with Trump in Washington next week, where the focus will be on pushing Hamas to accept the ceasefire deal.

Israel Bombed Gaza Cafe with US-Made MK-82 Bomb, Experts Call It ‘War Crime’

July 3, 2025, 11:34 am

In a sickening intensification of the war in Gaza, Israel attacked a crowded beachside cafe with a 230kg US-manufactured bomb that killed at least 24 civilians. The lethal attack, which destroyed the family-owned Al-Baqa cafe in Gaza City, has unleashed outrage around the world. Legal specialists now say the attack may constitute a war crime under international humanitarian law.

Fragments unearthed at the site validate that an MK-82 general-purpose bomb was used, generally employed against military installations, not civilian facilities. The cafe, filled with children, women, and families, received no advance evacuation notice and no announced military target in the area.

Deadly Strike Hits Family Cafe

The Israeli military carried out the airstrike on Monday in the two-story Al-Baqa cafe. Gaza medical officials reported that the airstrike killed between 24 and 36 people and injured many more. Those killed included a prominent filmmaker, an artist in the city, a housewife, and a four-year-old boy. Wounded survivors included a 14-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl.

The 500lb (230kg) bomb creates intense blast and dispersal shrapnel damage. Israel did not officially declare the port facility housing the cafe as a combat zone, even though witnesses and experts emphasize that the bomb is intended for hardened military targets, not civilian sites like cafes.

International Law and Civilian Protection

Under the Geneva Conventions, warring parties must avoid attacks where civilian harm is “excessive or disproportionate” to the military gain. Experts say the military would have seen, via aerial surveillance, that the cafe was full of unarmed civilians.

Garry Simpson of Human Rights Watch stated, “The military would have also known that dropping a big guided bomb would kill and injure many civilians there.” He continued to say that the attack seemed disproportionate, indiscriminate, and possibly illegal.

IDF Responds, Rights Groups Demand Probe

An IDF spokesman said the strike from Israel was under examination. The military said that it acted to minimize harm to civilians through aerial monitoring. But legal analysts retort that the mere employment of a 230kg bomb in a populated area gravely undermines that argument.

Human rights organizations are demanding an independent probe. They urge investigators to treat the situation as a potential war crime and demand accountability for the killings of unarmed civilians.

A Café Turned Graveyard

The Al-Baqa cafe was a tranquil social venue for more than 40 years. Its destruction now constitutes yet another tragic installment in Gaza’s deteriorating humanitarian crisis. As the world becomes increasingly alarmed, the world must confront the laws of war and the imperative to safeguard civilians—even in the midst of conflict.

Turkish President Erdogan Calls for Enduring Iran-Israel Ceasefire, Gaza Truce

June 26, 2025, 1:04 am

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan informed leaders at a NATO summit on Wednesday that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel must be made permanent, his office added, and urged a Gaza ceasefire to help ease the humanitarian crisis there.

Turkey Slams Israel’s Actions in Gaza and Against Iran

NATO ally Turkey has been strongly critical of Israel and its attack on Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza, which has been devastated after two years of fighting and had its population driven out.

Ankara has also stated that Israel’s “state terrorism” against Iran – which borders it for 560 kilometers – raised the stakes of a broader war, and welcomed the Israel-Iran ceasefire.

Erdogan Meets European Leaders at The Hague

During the NATO summit in The Hague, Erdogan had meetings with the leaders of France, Germany and Britain regarding tensions in the region, bilateral relations and ties with the EU and defence industry cooperation. Erdogan also met U.S. President Donald Trump later on Tuesday.

“Our President said he welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, that the de facto situation needs to turn into lasting calm as soon as possible, that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is increasingly continuing, and that a lasting ceasefire is also needed there urgently,” Erdogan’s office said after his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

German Chancellor Also Urged to Act on Gaza Crisis

He made that appeal again to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and noted that a resolution had to be found to the Gaza humanitarian crisis.

Erdogan also informed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that “these tensions should not make the humanitarian crisis in Gaza – which has hit an abysmal point – overlook.”

Erdogan Backs Diplomacy Between Tehran and Washington

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan remarked that Tehran and Washington’s issues could be resolved only through diplomacy and that everybody needs to help establish eternal peace in the Middle East.

“We welcome the ceasefire achieved through the efforts of U.S. President Trump,” he told a press conference following the summit. “We expect the parties to unconditionally abide by the call of my friend Trump.”

Deadly Gaza Blast Kills 7 Israeli Soldiers, Deepens Pressure On Netanyahu For Ceasefire

June 25, 2025, 11:01 pm

Seven Israeli soldiers were slain in a rocket attack in Gaza’s south on Tuesday, the worst day for the military in the region since the collapse of a truce with Hamas in March. The Israel Defense Forces said on Wednesday that a lieutenant, three staff sergeants, and three sergeants of a combat engineering battalion were killed when an explosive device was detonated along their armoured vehicle, igniting a fatal fire.

Hamas’s militant branch said it carried out the attack in Khan Younis and that militants also fired an anti-tank missile at a second vehicle that tried to help.

The deaths have renewed public demands for an end to the permanent ceasefire in the almost two-year-old war. Netanyahu is once again under pressure, particularly within his own government. Ultra-Orthodox legislator Moshe Gafne questioned continuing the war, saying: “This is a very sad day… I still don’t understand why we are fighting there. To what end?”

While Netanyahu’s popularity crashed after Hamas October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, his recent move to attack Iran has for the time being given a boost to his popularity. However, with a vulnerable ceasefire presently in place between Israel and Iran, attention once again centers around the Gaza war.

The war is still diplomatically isolating Israel. In the recent 12-day standoff with Iran, more than 800 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, including a minimum of 30 individuals, including a reporter, on Wednesday alone.

The most lethal day for Israeli troops since the war started was in January 2024, when 24 soldiers were killed 20 in one explosion.

In spite of mounting local and international calls for a truce and hostage release talks, hardline ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir hold firm on continuing the battle. Hamas maintains 20 surviving hostages and the remains of 30 dead hostages.

Over 20 Palestinians Killed Near Gaza Aid Sites by Israeli Gunfire, Says Hamas-Run Health Ministry

June 16, 2025, 8:24 pm

At least 22 Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire near aid distribution points operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. The latest incident occurred at the al-Alam aid center in Rafah, where 20 people were reported dead. Another two fatalities were confirmed at a GHF site in the Netzarim corridor. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was examining the reports.

Mounting Casualties at Food Sites Near Gaza

The GHF began distributing aid after Israel partially lifted a three-month blockade that the UN said had pushed Gaza to the brink of starvation. However, hundreds of Palestinians have died while trying to access food at these sites. Prior to Monday’s killings, Gaza’s health ministry stated that over 300 had died and 2,600 were injured near GHF points since May 26. Al-Alam has been the site of multiple deadly episodes since the aid system was introduced.

UN and Medical Officials Condemn Operations

UN human rights chief Volker Turk condemned Israel’s conduct, accusing it of weaponising food and inflicting “unconscionable suffering” on civilians. He called for an investigation into the repeated attacks on aid seekers. The UN and various NGOs have refused to collaborate with the GHF due to ongoing safety concerns.

Dr. Ahmed Alfara at Nasser Hospital, where many victims were taken, called the GHF’s aid distribution system a “100% failure.” He emphasized the need for Unrwa and NGOs to resume food distribution.

Survivors Describe Chaos and Fear Near Gaza

Ahmed Fayad, who survived Monday’s incident, labeled the GHF site a “trap.” He said, “We went there thinking we would get aid to feed our children, but it turned out to be a killing. I advise everyone: don’t go there.”

The events come amid Israel’s 20-month military campaign in Gaza, launched after the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry claims over 55,000 deaths have occurred. International media, remain barred from entering Gaza, complicating independent verification.

Gaza Faces Total Internet Blackout, UN Says Humanitarian Operations Crippled

June 12, 2025, 11:11 pm

The United Nations said on Thursday that a total internet blackout has struck the Gaza Strip, most probably due to damage to the sole remaining communications cable in the midst of continued military action.

UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said the blackout has taken a heavy toll on emergency services and humanitarian operations. “Lifelines to emergency services, humanitarian coordination, and vital information for civilians have all been severed,” he said to journalists.

Cellular networks are also hardly operational, exacerbating the crisis. Haq cautioned that the blackout has frozen relief operations in an already ravaged area, constraining both physical access and communication.

“In a setting already constrained by physical access limitations and general destruction, emergency services are isolated, and civilians are unable to reach life-saving assistance,” he stated.

The blackout highlights the increasing difficulties for aid organizations and civilians alike in Gaza, as fighting continues to interrupt critical infrastructure and humanitarian coordination.

Clashes Erupt at Gaza Aid Centre as Six Killed, Dozens Injured

June 10, 2025, 11:15 am

Palestinians in Gaza have reported that Israeli soldiers and some local gunmen opened fire on people walking toward a humanitarian aid centre run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

This incident adds to growing fears, as several civilians have already died in recent weeks due to drone attacks near aid centres. According to eyewitnesses, Monday marked the first time Palestinian gunmen also shot at people close to the GHF distribution point in Tal al-Sultan, a neighbourhood in Rafah. The health ministry in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas, said the gunfire on Monday killed six individuals and injured 99 more.

GHF Denies Incident at Centre

In contrast, GHF stated that its Tal al-Sultan aid centre was not open that day. The organisation denied any attack taking place at the site.

Deadly violence has surrounded the GHF’s operations almost daily since it began delivering aid on May 26. Dozens of Palestinians have lost their lives near one of the four GHF aid sites. The Tal al-Sultan location, in particular, sits near a route that cuts through an Israeli military-controlled area, making it especially dangerous.

Conflicting Accounts of Responsibility

Palestinians continue to accuse Israeli forces of shooting at crowds near these centres. Israel, however, has consistently denied these allegations. Instead, the Israeli military claims it has only fired warning shots at people who ignored them and continued to approach their positions.

Mohammed Sakout, who helps distribute aid at the GHF site, shared his experience with the BBC: “Several young men were shot and killed right behind me. I narrowly escaped death – some bullets passed just inches from my head.”

He added, “At first, it was the Israeli army that was shooting at civilians. But today, we were shocked to discover the presence of gangs and militias.”

Aid Mission Blocked at Sea

In a related development, a group of 12 pro-Palestinian activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, was stopped from reaching Gaza by sea. Their boat, named the “Selfie Yacht,” was intercepted by Israeli authorities at the port of Ashdod.

On Tuesday, Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed via social media that, “The passengers of the ‘Selfie Yacht’ arrived at Ben Gurion Airport to depart from Israel and return to their home countries.”

Weapons, Intel Found Under Gaza’s European Hospital in IDF Operation

June 8, 2025, 2:14 pm

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have alleged to find a hidden underground tunnel under the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza. Based on a drone video uploaded on IDF’s official X handle, the tunnel supposedly has rooms for intelligence work and weapon storage. A long underground passage with several rooms packed with things such as firearms, a computer, and ventilation units is depicted in the video.

“UNCOVERED: An underground tunnel path under the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza. In a special, targeted mission, IDF soldiers discovered an underground tunnel path with various discoveries like command and control centers, weapons, and other intelligence materials,” wrote the IDF’s post.

⭕️UNCOVERED: An underground tunnel route beneath the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza.

In a special, targeted operation, IDF soldiers located an underground tunnel route containing numerous findings such as command and control rooms, weapons, and additional intelligence… pic.twitter.com/7bPM5ozHN8

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 7, 2025

Supporting the assertion, the post continued: “Hamas continues to use hospitals in Gaza for terrorist intentions, cynically taking advantage of and putting civilians at risk.”

Thai Hostage’s Body Recovered in Gaza

Only hours after the tunnel video was released, Israel announced the recovery of the body of a Thai citizen who was taken captive during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. The individual, whose name has been given as Nattapong Pinta, traveled to Israel to work in agriculture and was said to have been kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Israeli officials verified that he was murdered at the onset of the conflict.

Nattapong Pinta was a hardworking and beloved man who worked in agriculture in Kibbutz Nir Oz. He was held hostage for 610 days by terrorists in Gaza.

On October 7, 2023, he was abducted with some of his friends. His family, wife and son are waiting for his return.

He was… pic.twitter.com/Z9hnBwauul

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 7, 2025

Thailand’s foreign ministry stated that attempts are still being made to recover the bodies of two other Thai nationals who are thought to be in custody or murdered in Gaza. The Associated Press wrote that Thai citizens comprise the largest number of foreign hostages taken by Hamas in the conflict.

Terror Activities from Gaza Hospitals

In another incident, the IDF claimed killing two suspected militants who had been using their cover as journalists and working from within the compound of the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza. The suspects were said to have used the hospital courtyard area as a staging point for planning attacks on Israeli targets.

Quoting the IDF’s X post, ‘The terrorists manipulated the hospital to plot and conduct terror activities against Israeli citizens and IDF troops. Terrorists in Gaza still employ hospitals for terrorist operations while cynically manipulating the population and putting civilians’ lives at risk.

The two men, As’ad Abu Sharaiya and Mahmoud Muhammad Hamid Kuhail, were said to be associated with the Mujahideen terrorist organization. The IDF, jointly with the ISA (Israeli Security Agency), confirmed that the men were killed in a combined operation.

IDF Links Abu Sharaiya to October 7 Attack

In a statement, the IDF reported that As’ad Abu Sharaiya was one of the top perpetrators in the October 7 Kibbutz Nir Oz massacre, where both Israeli and foreign nationals were abducted and murdered.

The post said, “Terrorists penetrated Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct. 7, 2023. Abu Sharaiya was among the chief planners of the massacre and directly participated in the kidnapping & murder of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, Nattapong Pinta and a second foreign national still being held by the terror group and in the kidnapping of the couple Gad and Judi Haggai.”

In the meantime, the Gaza Health Ministry said at least 95 Palestinians were murdered in Israeli airstrikes during the last 24 hours. The mounting death toll reflects the ongoing ferocity of the conflict as both sides accuse one another of firing on civilians and disregarding humanitarian principles.

UN Demands Answers After 27 Palestinians Killed Near Gaza Aid Center In Rafah

June 4, 2025, 3:44 am

At least 27 Palestinians were reported dead and dozens injured on Tuesday when Israeli soldiers allegedly opened fire close to an aid distribution center in Rafah, said local health officials. The facility is run by the U.S.-based and Israeli-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

The Palestinian Authority’s Wafa news agency reported that Israeli tanks and missiles hit crowds approaching the GHF hub. This is the second day in a row with gunfire at the site. Witnesses explain the same types of shots were fired on Monday near civilians walking towards the aid centre.

The Israeli army confirmed that it issued warning shots on Monday at persons who they said were approaching a “closed military area” and threatened them, about a kilometre away from the aid location. Nonetheless, the military has not had anything to say about Tuesday’s deaths.

The GHF, which started delivering aid in Gaza a week ago, reported that it transferred 21 truckloads of food on Tuesday “safely and without incident.” Nevertheless, its operation has been faulted by the UN and humanitarian agencies for failing to meet international standards, especially regarding the use of biometric scans to prevent diversion of aid to Hamas. GHF has been criticized as being incapable of coping with the mounting needs of Gaza’s two million citizens.

The UN has dubbed Gaza “the hungriest place on Earth” and accused Israel of letting in just trickle of aid to the region. The recent shootings were condemned by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Human Rights Chief Volker Türk, calling for an independent inquiry and reiterating Israel’s legal obligation to ensure unfettered humanitarian assistance.

Since the breakdown of a two-month truce in March, Israeli raids have claimed more than 3,900 lives in Gaza, taking the total number of fatalities since last October to over 54,000, said Gaza’s health ministry. Israel unleashed its attack after Hamas’ lethal 7 October attack that murdered 1,200 individuals and kidnapped 251 hostages.

Doctor Reports ‘Total Carnage’ as 27 Killed in Israeli Strike on Gaza Aid Center

June 3, 2025, 3:44 pm

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for an independent investigation into the deaths of 27 civilians near an aid centre in Gaza, condemning the attacks as potential war crimes.

In a strong statement, Türk expressed deep concern over repeated fatalities near distribution centres backed by the US and Israel. “Attacks directed against civilians constitute a grave breach of international law, and a war crime,” he said.

He emphasized the dire choices facing Palestinians: “die from starvation or risk being killed while trying to access the meagre food that is being made available through Israel’s militarised humanitarian assistance mechanism.”

Threat of Starvation and Forced Displacement Highlighted

Türk also warned that the “wilful impediment” of access to humanitarian aid “may constitute a war crime.” He further cited Israel’s military actions, including forced displacement, large-scale destruction, and threats to depopulate the Gaza Strip, as “elements of the most serious crimes under international law.”

He labelled the targeting of civilians attempting to receive food as “unconscionable,” noting that for three consecutive days, civilians were killed while trying to reach food aid.

Aid Distribution Shifted to GHF After UN Role Diminishes

Aid in Gaza is now coordinated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)—a group backed by Israel and the US. This marks a departure from the UN’s previous role. The GHF relies on private contractors to deliver food through Israel-designated sites.

Recent images from the central Gaza Strip show Palestinians collecting aid from the GHF’s designated distribution points. Meanwhile, the IDF reported the deaths of three soldiers—two combat medics and a squad commander—killed by an explosive device in Jabalia during operations.

Disputed Account of Shooting Near Aid Hub

While the GHF claimed its aid distribution occurred “safely and without incident,” Gaza’s civil defence reported that Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians waiting near an aid hub. The IDF confirmed firing near the aid site, saying it had “identified several suspects” near the complex.

The Gaza Health Ministry, run by Hamas, stated that the latest violence left 27 people dead and 90 injured.

GHF acknowledged the incident, stating: “We understand that IDF is investigating whether a number of civilians were injured after moving beyond the designated safe corridor and into a closed military zone. This was an area well beyond our secure distribution site and operations area.”

They added: “We recognize the difficult nature of the situation and advise all civilians to remain in the safe corridor when traveling to our distribution sites.”

Israeli Attack on Gaza’s Jabalia Kills 14, Mostly Women and Children

June 2, 2025, 5:53 pm

A residential apartment in Gaza’s Jabaliya refugee camp was hit by an Israeli air raid on Monday and killed 14, mostly women and children, said health officials. Shifa and al-Ahli hospitals confirmed that five women and seven children were among the dead in the heavily populated northern Gaza sector.

The Israeli Defence Forces have yet to comment on the request. Israel insists its attacks are focused only on militants and makes every effort to spare civilians, blaming any casualty of civilians on Hamas for placing themselves in amongst civilian populations.

The Israel-Hamas conflict started on October 7, 2023, when Palestinian militants attacked Israel on a massive scale, killing about 1,200 individuals, who were primarily civilians, and took 251 people hostage. Hamas is holding 58 hostages at present, with roughly one-third of them estimated to be alive, as many others have been released under ceasefire deals or negotiations.

More than 54,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed by Israel’s military campaign since then, Gaza’s Health Ministry says, though it does not break out how many victims were combatants and how many were civilians. The large-scale offensive has ruined much of Gaza and displaced about 90% of its inhabitants.

Hamas has indicated that it will only free the remaining hostages in return for the release of additional Palestinian prisoners, a solid ceasefire, and the Israeli troop withdrawal.

Israel has promised to carry out its military actions until all the hostages are released and Hamas is defeated, disarmed, or displaced. It also wants to keep Gaza under its control forever, in favor of what it calls voluntary emigration by a majority of Gaza’s population.

These plans to resettle have been strongly criticized by the Palestinians and the rest of the international community, who perceive them as forced displacement.

Greta Thunberg Embarks On Risky Sea Mission To Gaza, Dares World Silence On War

June 2, 2025, 3:40 am

Climate activist Greta Thunberg and eleven other activists boarded on Sunday from the south of Italy in an effort to breach Israel’s sea blockade of Gaza and bring in humanitarian supplies. The ship Madleen, run by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, left the port of Catania on the island of Sicily and hopes to arrive off Gaza’s coast within a week barring interception.

Speaking in tears at a departing press conference, Thunberg stated, “Whatever odds we are against, we must keep trying. The moment that we stop trying is the moment when we lose our humanity.” She further stated that the risks of the mission are small in relation to “the world’s silence in the face of live-streamed genocide.

Israel has automatically denounced genocide charges as antisemitic propaganda, claiming that it is attacking Hamas fighters, not the civilian population. In response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on southern Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 and resulted in the kidnapping of 251, Israel launched a military campaign that Gaza health officials report has killed over 52,000 individuals, many of whom were women and children.

Among the passengers are Game of Thrones star Liam Cunningham and French MEP Rima Hassan, a Palestinian-descendant who is banned from entering Israel because of her political views. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s last bid to arrive in Gaza by sea was thwarted last month when another ship, Conscience, was allegedly attacked by drones in international waters off Malta.

More protests are planned by activists, such as the “Global March to Gaza,” an on-ground drive from doctors, lawyers, and journalists reaching the Rafah crossing in mid-June. Organizers hope that such initiatives will put pressure on Israel to relax restrictions and let life-saving aid into Gaza.

Despite Israeli justification of the blockade as a tool against Hamas, aid groups alert that Gaza is poised for famine as humanitarian situation worsens.

Hamas Demands Major Revisions to Ceasefire Plan, Witkoff Calls It ‘Unacceptable’

June 1, 2025, 11:16 am

Hamas officially reacted to a US-supported Gaza ceasefire initiative, demanding crucial amendments to obtain a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian access. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff immediately dismissed the reaction, branding it “totally unacceptable” and blaming Hamas for sabotaging progress.

The stalemate now jeopardizes new optimism to end the war, free hostages, and bring life-saving assistance to millions in Gaza. As negotiations teeter on the brink, the humanitarian emergency in Gaza worsens and global pressure builds on both sides.

Hamas Demands Major Revisions

Hamas indicated it would release 10 surviving Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 others in return for Palestinian detainees. But Hamas also insisted on a full Israeli pullout from Gaza and a guaranteed ceasefire—the conditions Israel refuses. Hamas’s senior official called the reaction “positive” and said his group would only accept minor modifications to the proposal.

But Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Hamas still refuses the agreement. PM Netanyahu said Israel would continue to pursue military action against Hamas with the aim of defeating Hamas and freeing the remaining hostages.

Document Details Hamas Conditions

Hamas document, contains a number of demands. It demands free movement of residents of Gaza via the Rafah crossing and complete reopening of goods transit. It further demands reconstruction of infrastructure like water, electricity, and sanitation networks.

Hamas demands approval to import material to refurbish hospitals, schools, and bakeries. Delivery of aid would be done under the watchful eyes of the United Nations, Red Crescent, and other impartial agencies.

Trump’s Role and Ceasefire Plan

In the proposed agreement, President Trump would himself declare the ceasefire. The accord, supported by Egypt and Qatar, provides for a 60-day ceasefire. Hamas would hand over 28 hostages in stages for the return of 1,200 Palestinian prisoners.

Israel, in turn, would halt all military activities throughout the duration of the ceasefire. Humanitarian assistance would flow into Gaza during that time. Hamas also insists that the pact result in a lasting ceasefire, not merely a temporary cease-fire.

Witkoff and Israel Reject Revisions

Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff openly denounced Hamas’s reaction. On X (formerly Twitter), he stated the edits “take us backward” and called for Hamas to embrace the original proposal.

PM Netanyahu again affirmed that Israel had accepted the initial offer and faulted Hamas for slowing down negotiations. Hamas, in turn, accused Witkoff of undue pro-Israeli bias and of not rejecting the ceasefire outline.

Israeli Offensive Rises

On Saturday, Israel confirmed the death of Mohammad Sinwar,Hamas’s Gaza chief, in an airstrike on a hospital on May 13. He was Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, who had organized the October 2023 attacks.

Israel continues to target Hamas operatives and facilities, including weapons caches and sniper positions. Consequently, Gaza’s two million population has tighter confinement in dwindling safe areas, primarily around Khan Younis.

Gaza Confronts Deteriorating Humanitarian Crisis

Humanitarian groups say Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is at breaking point. The Israeli blockade, ordered since March, has starved the population. Armed groups took over World Food Programme trucks loaded with flour to bakeries on Saturday. The WFP reported that people were too desperate to miss out on food.

The United Nations described the situation as the worst since the fighting started 19 months ago. Philippe Lazzarini, the director of the UN’s Palestinian relief agency, stated that the restricted aid permitted in “is making a mockery” of the calamity unfolding.

Aid Distribution Problems Persist

Israel permits a few food trucks and supported another US-supported mechanism operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). However, global aid organizations are not willing to work with GHF, citing it as non-neutral. They say the present scale of aid is far from what is needed to avert famine.

Israel does not admit starving Gaza and accuses Hamas of robbing and diverting aid. Hamas denies the charge and reports it has prosecuted suspected looters.

War Background and Casualty

Israel initiated its offensive following Hamas’s October 7 southern Israel attack that killed 1,200 individuals and resulted in 251 hostages. Israel’s war effort has since pummeled the Gaza Strip, taking more than 54,000 Palestinian lives and razing most infrastructure. An overwhelming majority of residents exist in makeshift shelters, reliant on dwindling humanitarian aid.

President Trump is still hopeful for a brokered ceasefire. But if Hamas and Israel can’t find common ground on fundamental issues—such as troop withdrawal, hostage swaps, and access to aid—the war will continue to burn. While talks fail, civilians die, and Gaza’s humanitarian disaster deepens.

US to Propose New Gaza Ceasefire Plan Amid Hostage Negotiations

May 29, 2025, 1:10 pm

The US intends to present a new proposal to Israel and Hamas to bring a ceasefire to Gaza and free hostages. US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff made the new push in a mixed response from the two sides. This comes after Hamas stated that it had reached a “general framework” agreement with Witkoff, which Israel promptly denied.

US special envoy to Middle East Steve Witkoff remained hopeful of a deal being negotiated in the near future.

Steve Witkoff Hopesful About Peace Agreement

On Wednesday, he said that he will soon send a fresh term sheet for the US president’s approval. He communicated “very good feelings” regarding the attainment of a temporary ceasefire and the development of a long-term peaceful solution. The envoy’s initiative follows the continuation of violence since Israel resumed hostilities in March.

Israel announced that it will dominate most of Gaza, in accordance with US President Donald Trump’s contentious plan that includes the deportation of Palestinians and US domination of the land.

Controversy Over Hostage Priorities

Critics say Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu prioritizes annexing Gaza over securing the return of hostages. Out of the 58 hostages kidnapped in Gaza, people believe only 20 remain alive. This makes the US effort more urgent, which is trying to harmonize ceasefire conditions with negotiations for the release of hostages.

Proposal Based on Direct Talks With Both Sides

According to The Jerusalem Post, the US proposal reflects Steve Witkoff’s negotiations with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Palestinian-American activist Bishara Bahbah, who has been negotiating with Hamas leaders in Qatar. Notably, Bahbah forms a key part of the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to mediate between the two sides.

Even as Witkoff appears confident, some officials have doubts. They argue Hamas’s announcement of the “Witkoff framework” is a public relations exercise and deny it has a negotiated agreement with the US.

The crucial sticking point continues to be what happens if a temporary truce runs out without a full agreement. It seeks US assurances that negotiations would continue, while Israel says it would restart fighting.

Hamas Hints at Ceasefire Terms

A statement has been released outlining the potential deal’s core terms: a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and unrestricted humanitarian aid. Hamas also said it would release 10 living hostages and bodies of others in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Additionally, the agreement would include setting up a professional committee to manage Gaza’s affairs once the ceasefire is in place.

Cautious Optimism Amid Ongoing Tensions

People familiar with the negotiations informed The Jerusalem Post that an agreement now appears likely. They admit that gaps exist but characterize them as bridgeable. This has produced guarded optimism for a successful outcome.

In the world’s eyes, the next few days will be decisive in determining if the US initiative can deliver peace to a protracted conflict that has endured far too long.

Italy Urges Israel to Halt Gaza Offensive, Follow Humanitarian Law

May 28, 2025, 2:45 pm

Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani on Wednesday severely condemned Israel’s continued military campaign in Gaza, describing it as “unacceptable” and calling for an immediate halt to the aggression. He also firmly rejected any forced eviction of Palestinians from the land.

Addressing parliament as Western criticism of Israel’s response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks mounts, Tajani said, “The legitimate response of the Israeli government towards a horrible and senseless act of terrorism is unfortunately assuming totally dramatic and unacceptable forms, which we call on Israel to end immediately.”

While Italy has traditionally been a friend of Israel, the ongoing and aggressive military offensive has caused unease within its right-wing governing coalition. Over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed so far in the conflict, Gaza health officials said.

“The bombing should stop, humanitarian aid should restart as soon as possible, respect for international humanitarian law must be restored,” Tajani also said in an impassioned debate in the lower house of parliament.

There has been a sharpening of opposition parties’ criticism of the government line over Gaza. They have called for a demonstration in Rome on June 7, calling for sanctions against Israel and asking Italy to recognize the State of Palestine officially.

Riccardo Ricciardi, an MP in the 5-Star Movement, blamed the Italian and EU leadership for being accomplices to human rights abuses, declaring, “The political, moral and intellectual baseness which all of you, Italian and European ruling classes, are attaining, will condemn you as complicit in extermination, genocide and inhuman crime.”

Tajani reiterated Italy is available to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and is in favor of establishing a Palestinian state by means of negotiations. Nevertheless, he emphasized Italy’s firm opposition to any transfer of Gaza’s people elsewhere, an action allegedly proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump and firmly rejected by most Arab countries.

“The deportation of Palestinians from Gaza is not and will never be an acceptable solution,” Tajani declared.

He also repeated Italy’s enthusiasm to contribute to a future Arab-led peacekeeping force in Gaza.

Southern Gaza Evacuated As Israel Prepares For “Unprecedented” Military Offensive

May 27, 2025, 4:19 am

The Israeli army has ordered evacuation calling for residents in southern Gaza to vacate major cities such as Rafah and Khan Younis, before a scheduled “unprecedented attack” on militants, an announcement on Monday stated. The army called for civilians to move to Al-Mawasi, a proclaimed humanitarian zone in southwestern Gaza, as hostilities escalate.

Despite the evacuation notice, rocket fire by militants persisted in the areas affected by it. Several eyewitnesses stated that most civilians heeded the evacuation, although Khan Younis, the second-largest city in Gaza, has witnessed heavy losses, with the Israeli army deeming it a “dangerous combat zone.” Hospitals like Nasser and Al-Amal in Khan Younis are still exempt from evacuation.

The intensifying Israeli onslaught in Gaza, however, is meeting increasing worldwide condemnation, including among Israel’s partners, as the death toll rises and becomes a serious humanitarian situation behind the restricted aid. The conflict started from the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and has claimed more than 53,900 lives and injured over 122,700 in Gaza, said Palestinian sources.

On the diplomatic side, Israel spurned a recent truce offer that included hostage release and a short-term ceasefire. The proposal, which was made by a Palestinian-American negotiator, would grant a 70-day truce and several hostelries released, according to reports. Israeli officials, as well as US envoy Steve Witkoff, have rejected these reports, with Witkoff calling on Hamas to embrace the offer on the table.

Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes persist, hitting more than 200 militant installations in the last two days. Overnight raids killed at least 36, mostly women and children, in the north of Gaza, where a Hamas command center located in a former school was hit by bombs. The Israeli military claims the attacks seek to prevent intended assaults and denounce Hamas’s utilization of civilian facilities for military objectives.

The conflict shows no sign of abating as humanitarian conditions worsen and negotiations remain stalled.

Israeli Strike on Gaza School-Turned-Shelter Kills Dozens

May 26, 2025, 12:49 pm

At least 20 were reported killed, and the majority were children, in an Israeli bombing of a school in Gaza that was housing displaced civilians, rescue officials said. The pre-dawn bombardment of Fahmi al-Jarjawi school in Gaza City is amid rising Israeli military action against Hamas and increasing international condemnation.

Mahmud Bassal, Gaza civil defence agency spokesman, stated: ‘At least 20 martyrs’ were rushed to hospital after what he called a “horrific occupation massacre at the Fahmi al-Jarjawi school,” where hundreds had fled to. He further stated that 60 others were injured in the attack.

The Israeli forces confirmed the attack, explaining that it was focused on ‘senior terrorists who were operating in a Hamas and Islamic Jihad command and control center buried in a facility that had once been the location of the ‘Faami Aljerjawi’ School in the Gaza City vicinity’. The release went on to say that ‘several measures were taken to reduce the danger to civilians’.

The latest violence follows nearly three months of tight restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, which have fueled a worsening hunger and health crisis. Though Israel recently relaxed its blockade, imposed on March 2, critics say the aid flow remains insufficient.

COGAT, a unit of Israel’s defense ministry that oversees civilian affairs in the Palestinian territories, stated Friday that ‘107 trucks owned by the UN and the international community filled with humanitarian assistance. were transferred’ into Gaza. But aid agencies allege much more is required to cover these needs, and that some trucks have been stolen along with their cargo.

The World Food Programme called on Israel “to deliver much higher levels of food aid more quickly into Gaza,” and warned that “hunger, desperation and uncertainty about whether additional food aid is arriving is fueling increasing insecurity.”

On the ground, Gaza rescuers were still plagued by resource shortages. Bassal said that the civil defence agency does not have ‘search equipment or heavy equipment to lift the rubble to rescue the wounded and recover the martyrs’. Seven were killed over the weekend under rubble in Jabalia, and two others, a pregnant woman among them were killed when an airstrike hit tents near Nuseirat. The doctors could not save the unborn child.

Elsewhere, fatal strikes were reported at Deir el-Balah, Beit Lahia, and Khan Yunis. On Saturday, the civil defence agency reported nine children of two married doctors killed in Khan Yunis. The Israeli army has stated it is checking that report.

Meanwhile, tensions are rising globally. At the weekend, global leaders met in Madrid denounced the violence that continues, labelling the war ‘inhumane’ and ‘senseless’. They also denounced the limited scope of resumed humanitarian assistance.

Adding to the confusion, Jake Wood, executive director of the US-funded Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), resigned on Sunday. Wood blamed the organization for not working according to ‘humanitarian principles’. The GHF aimed to deliver 300 million meals over its first 90 days, but conventional aid groups and the UN have so far declined to work with it, fearing its alleged connection with Israel.

At least 3,785 individuals have died in the territory since the truce fell apart on March 18, according to Gaza’s ministry of health. The total death toll from the war is now 53,939, the vast majority of them civilians.

The conflict began after Hamas launched an assault on Israel in October 2023, killing 1,218 people—mostly civilians—and taking 251 hostages. As of now, 57 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israel saying that 34 of them are believed to be dead.

Palestinians Allege Israeli Forces Used Civilians as Human Shields in Gaza Conflict

May 24, 2025, 11:09 pm

Several Palestinians have come forward with accounts accusing the Israeli military of systematically using civilians as human shields in Gaza, a practice prohibited under international law. These testimonies, along with statements from Israeli soldiers, paint a picture of a disturbing trend during the 19-month war.

Forced into Combat Zones

Ayman Abu Hamadan, a 36-year-old Palestinian, recalled how Israeli troops forced him into dangerous situations. “They beat me and told me: ‘You have no other option; do this or we’ll kill you,’” he told The Associated Press.

He said he spent over two weeks clearing homes and tunnels for explosives and fighters, always under threat and pressure. Dressed in military fatigues and wearing a helmet-mounted camera, he was sent into structures while soldiers waited behind him. “When one unit finished with him, he was passed to the next,” the report noted. Abu Hamadan said he was bound and blindfolded every night and forced to repeat the cycle the next day.

Soldiers Report Practice Was Common

Israeli soldiers, speaking anonymously to the AP, confirmed the use of human shields had become normalized during the conflict. One officer said nearly every platoon engaged in this tactic. “Once this idea was initiated, it caught on like fire in a field,” said a 26-year-old Israeli officer, adding that by the end of his deployment, every infantry unit used Palestinians to enter buildings before the troops did.

One soldier claimed the tactic helped avoid injuries to dogs and save ammunition. “Orders to ‘bring a mosquito’ often came via radio,” referring to Palestinians with dehumanizing slang such as “mosquitoes” or “wasps.”

Military Denial and Ongoing Investigations

The Israeli military denied officially sanctioning the practice. In a statement to the AP, it said: “It strictly prohibits using civilians as shields,” and that “all such orders are routinely emphasized to the forces.”

The military confirmed it is investigating several incidents involving civilians but did not provide further details or comment on whether commanders had issued such orders.

Deaths and Moral Fallout

An Israeli officer said he filed two reports detailing incidents, including the accidental killing of a Palestinian who was mistaken for a threat while being used by another unit as a shield.

“These are not isolated accounts; they point to a systemic failure and a horrifying moral collapse,” said Nadav Weiman, executive director of Breaking the Silence, a whistleblower group of former Israeli soldiers. “Israel rightly condemns Hamas for using civilians as human shields, but our own soldiers describe doing the very same.”

More Testimonies from Civilians

Masoud Abu Saeed, 36, said he was forced to work as a shield for two weeks in Khan Younis in March 2024. “This is extremely dangerous,” he recalled telling a soldier. “I have children and want to reunite with them.”

He said he had to enter hospitals, houses, and buildings, wearing a first-responder vest and carrying tools to search for tunnels. In one instance, he encountered his brother—also being used as a shield by another unit. “I thought Israel’s army had executed him,” he said.

Sixteen-year-olds and adults were reportedly forced into similar roles. One Israeli sergeant said, “The boy shook constantly, and both repeated ‘Rafah, Rafah,’” referring to the southern Gaza city where many had sought refuge. “It seemed they were begging to be freed,” he said.

West Bank Also Affected

The reports extend beyond Gaza. In the West Bank, Hazar Estity said Israeli soldiers took her from her home in Jenin and forced her to film inside apartments before troops entered. “I was most afraid that they would kill me,” she said. “And that I wouldn’t see my son again.”

Longstanding Accusations

Rights groups have documented the use of human shields by Israeli forces for decades. Although the Israeli Supreme Court outlawed the practice in 2005, groups say violations have continued and expanded, especially in this current war.

Experts argue that while Hamas also uses civilians for protection, it does not absolve Israel from abiding by international law. “It’s really a heavy lift to look at your own soldiers and say you have to comply,” said Michael Schmitt, professor of international law at West Point.

As investigations continue, these disturbing accounts shed light on the escalating brutality of a war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives — with civilians often caught in the crossfire, or worse, forced to be on the front line.

Israel Allows 100 Aid Trucks Into Gaza, But Distribution Delays Leave Civilians Desperate

May 22, 2025, 2:50 am

Israel allowed 100 aid trucks of flour, baby formula, and medicine into the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the Israeli military said. But UN representatives said distribution issues have to date kept the aid from reaching those who need it most.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had signaled that Israel would entertain a temporary truce to ensure the safe release of hostages but maintained that the military operation to secure complete control of Gaza would go on.

After an 11-week siege on material supplies into Gaza, Israeli troops reported that 98 aid trucks entered the territory on Monday and Tuesday together. Even with these deliveries, aid officials and Gaza bakeries stated that the essential provisions, such as flour, still have not reached soup kitchens, hospitals, and markets.

“None of this assistance and that’s a very small number of trucks has reached the Gaza population,” World Food Programme country director Antoine Renard said. The blockade has forced many Gazans to struggle to survive amid mounting pressure on Israel’s government from around the world. A leader of an opposition party said the situation could turn Israel into a “pariah state.”

Thousands of tons of food and other basic commodities are stranded along Gaza’s border crossings, and a quarter of the population is at risk of famine. Mahmoud al-Haw, who lives in Gaza, recounted long delays just to get small servings of lentil soup for his family.

UN officials credited the delay to security issues that have prevented supplies from being bottled up at the Kerem Shalom crossing logistics depot. But by Wednesday night, there were indications that movement of aid could get better. Transport operators confirmed that scores of trucks with flour and nutritional supplements had arrived in southern Rafah, and trucks began arriving in central Gaza’s Deir Al-Balah.

Israel’s blockade, since March, seeks to block Hamas from re-channeling aid into military use, a claim Hamas disputes. With a worldwide international glare, Israel has permitted limited aid shipments pending the development of an alternative US-backed distribution system by private contractors a move the UN refuses to support, citing issues regarding neutrality.

All North Gaza Hospitals Shut Down as New Israeli Strikes Kill 103

May 18, 2025, 4:16 pm

The Hamas-administered Gaza’s ministry of health on Sunday reported northern Gaza no longer has a single public hospital in working condition. In a statement referenced by AFP, Israeli troops encircled the Indonesian Hospital, the only remaining functioning medical facility in the area, cutting it off from patients, doctors, and necessary supplies. The siege ‘effectively forc[ed] the hospital out of service’, the ministry said, affirming that ‘all public hospitals in the North Gaza governorate are now out of service’.

Strike Claims 103 Life in Gaza

The stepped-up Israeli assault killed at least 103 overnight and through Sunday, AFP quoted hospital and medical sources as saying.

South was also targeted by Israeli airstrikes, targeting a number of sites in and around Khan Younis city. At least 48 individuals were reportedly killed in the attacks, which also targeted displaced families’ tents and homes, said Nasser Hospital spokesman Weam Fares. Among the victims were 18 children and 13 women.

Northern Gaza also suffered heavy casualties. Emergency teams from the ministry of health in Gaza revealed that an airstrike within the Jabaliya refugee camp killed nine members of one family. Another strike on a neighboring home killed 10 individuals, seven of them being children and one woman, revealed the civil defense unit working under Hamas-administration.

Israel Launches ‘Gideon’s Chariots’ Operation

The rising violence coincides with Israel’s initiation of a new military campaign called ‘Gideon’s Chariots’.+6 Through this operation, Israel seeks to capture additional land, drive hundreds of thousands of Palestinians further south, and tighten control over the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza.

The Israeli army has yet to make a release regarding the overnight strike. Israel has in the past defended civilian deaths by claiming that Hamas integrates its operations within civilian zones.

War Rages On

The Israel-Hamas conflict has dragged on for more than 19 months since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing hundreds and holding several hostage. Israel has, in retaliation, conducted sweeping air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip with only a short ceasefire having been seen earlier in the conflict.

Although Hamas has freed most hostages, it has continued to defy Israel’s call for full disarmament.

Israeli Airstrike on Gaza Tent Camp Kills 24 Palestinians Amid Ongoing Conflict

May 18, 2025, 8:24 am

An Israeli bomb hit a tent camp in Khan Younis on Sunday. The airstrike killed at least 24 Palestinians, including women and children. Local health officials confirmed that the victims were living in makeshift shelters. The explosion also injured many people and set several tents on fire.

Heavy Bombing Kills Hundreds Over 72 Hours

Israel ramped up its military operations in the Gaza Strip. Over the past three days, strikes have killed hundreds of Palestinians. Medical workers reported numerous civilian deaths, especially among families seeking refuge.

Trump Visits Region, But Violence Continues

U.S. President Donald Trump visited the area during the surge in violence. However, the strikes did not stop. The Gaza health ministry stated that Israeli attacks continued, killing hundreds.

Hamas Condemns Attack, Blames U.S.

Hamas responded with strong criticism. In a statement on Sunday, the group called the strike a “new brutal crime.” It also blamed the U.S. for the worsening conflict due to its support of Israel.

Israeli Military Sticks to Its War Plan

The Israeli army did not comment on the latest airstrike. Earlier, it had said it was carrying out large-scale attacks in Gaza to achieve its war goals.

Ceasefire Talks Restart, But No Breakthrough

At the same time, Egypt and Qatar, backed by the United States, resumed indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. The negotiations began on Saturday in Doha. Yet, sources told Reuters that the talks showed no progress. Both sides refused to change their positions.

Israeli Airstrikes Kill Over 70 in Gaza as Trump Leaves West Asia Without Truce Plan

May 16, 2025, 1:51 pm

At least 70 individuals were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza as tensions escalated, while US President Donald Trump wrapped up his West Asia tour without getting a new ceasefire and humanitarian assistance deal. The airstrikes caused numerous individuals to flee, further contributing to the death toll following earlier attacks.

Donald Trump, meanwhile, made provocative claims of territory over Gaza, where he implied the US should “take” the region. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu promised to increase military action against Hamas, sparking concern of a complete ground invasion. Human rights organizations criticized Israel’s intentions, threatening dire humanitarian repercussions.

Deadly Airstrikes and Displacement in Gaza

Israeli aerial bombardments escalated this week, contributing to the rising casualty toll. Gaza’s ministry of health reported more than 130 fatalities only one day prior to the recent attacks. The airstrikes compelled residents to evacuate their households with increasing destruction.

The continuous bombardment has escalated tension and misery throughout the Palestinian territory.

Trump’s Visit Yields No Ceasefire Progress

Trump’s summit meetings with Middle Eastern officials had created hope for a truce. No serious ceasefire negotiations ensued, though. Rather, Trump made provocative claims to Gaza territory during his trip to Qatar. He proposed that the US should “take” Gaza and make it a “freedom zone.”

This comes on the heels of his previous remarks in which he mooted owning Gaza and relocating its inhabitants—a proposal backed by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu at one time.

Netanyahu’s Plan for Escalation

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a tough escalation of the conflict. Netanyahu announced that Israeli soldiers would soon be entering Gaza “with great strength” to decimate Hamas, the governing militant party in Gaza. Netanyahu’s pledge to see it through guarantees further violence, heightening fears of a full ground invasion.

International Concerns about Human Rights

Human Rights Watch denounced Israel’s plans, saying that taking over Gaza and uprooting hundreds of thousands of individuals “inches closer to extermination.” The organization called on the international community to resist such a move. The impending crisis has elicited sharp criticism from rights organizations and evoked concern regarding deteriorating humanitarian conditions.

Fragile Region in Crisis

With no ceasefire in the horizon, Gaza is left to endure violence and instability. Trump’s visit concluded without reducing tensions or providing aid.

In the meantime, Netanyahu’s belligerent attitude portends more war on the horizon. The world holds its breath as Gaza prepares for more misery and uncertainty.

Overnight Israeli Airstrikes Kill 54 in Gaza’s Khan Younis, Hospital Confirms

May 16, 2025, 1:17 pm

Israeli airstrikes struck southern Gaza’s Khan Younis overnight into Thursday, killing at least 54 people, according to local authorities. At the same time, another strike in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya killed 13 more. This marks the second straight night of intense bombing.

An Associated Press cameraman in Khan Younis recorded ten separate airstrikes. Many bodies, severely injured, were taken to Nasser Hospital, where identification was delayed. The hospital’s morgue confirmed 54 fatalities.

Among the victims was journalist Hasan Samour, who worked for Qatar’s Al Araby TV. The network reported that he died along with 11 family members during one of the strikes.

Civilian Casualties Mount

The previous night’s bombings in northern and southern Gaza killed at least 70 people, including around 20 children. Civil Defense teams in Gaza said that the strike in Jabaliya hit a compound that included a mosque and a small medical clinic.

Devastation at Nasser Hospital

Inside Nasser Hospital, grieving mother Safaa Al-Najjar cried over the bodies of her sons—one and a half-year-old Motaz and one and a half-month-old Moaz—killed in the airstrikes. Her five other children were injured, and her husband was in intensive care.
“I gave them dinner and put them to sleep as usual, it was a normal day. Suddenly I don’t know what happened, the world went upside down,” she said. “I don’t know, I don’t know … what is their fault? What is their fault?” Outside the hospital, mourners gathered to pray before the dead were taken for burial.

Netanyahu Vows Escalation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently promised a stronger military campaign in Gaza.
In a statement released Tuesday, he said Israeli forces were preparing to enter Gaza “with great strength to complete the mission … It means destroying Hamas.”

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch warned that Israel’s stated goal of seizing Gaza and displacing hundreds of thousands “inches closer to extermination.” The group urged global leaders to speak out.

The War’s Toll

The conflict started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people in southern Israel. In response, Israel launched a large-scale offensive. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 53,000 Palestinians have been killed since, many of them women and children. Nearly 3,000 deaths occurred after Israel ended a ceasefire on March 18.

In the last 24 hours alone, hospitals received 82 bodies, including the 54 from Khan Younis. The total Palestinian death toll now stands at 53,010, with nearly 120,000 wounded.

Hamas still holds 58 of the approximately 250 hostages taken during the October 7 attack. Israeli officials believe 23 are alive, but they’re concerned about three of them.

Gaza’s Last Cancer Hospital Shuts Down

The European Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza’s only cancer treatment facility, is now out of service. Israeli airstrikes severely damaged the hospital and nearby roads, halting all specialized treatments, including cancer and heart care.

Israel claimed it targeted a Hamas command center beneath the hospital. Six people died in the strike. Hospital director Imad al-Hout said 200 patients were present during the attack. All were evacuated, with the last 90 moved to Nasser Hospital. Repair efforts have begun.

Food Crisis Deepens as Blockade Continues

Gaza’s aid blockade has now entered its third month. On Thursday, people in northern Gaza gathered near areas under Israeli fire, desperate for food. In Beit Lahia, a charity kitchen set up among rubble served vegetable soup. Crowds pushed forward, waving empty pots and containers.

Um Abed, a mother of a 3-year-old, said she waited since 9 a.m. and still received no food. “I have a 3-year-old child who’s crying all day because he wants to eat … we want them to stop the war and to allow food in,” she cried, holding her empty pot.

The blockade has devastated Gaza’s urban areas and displaced 90% of the population. Since March 2, no aid—neither food nor medicine—has been allowed into the territory. Global hunger experts have warned of famine unless Israel lifts the blockade and halts the military campaign.

According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, nearly 500,000 Palestinians face starvation. Another one million have extremely limited access to food.

Israel Denies Food Shortage

Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer denied the existence of a food shortage in Gaza. He blamed Hamas, saying, “Hamas is holding onto it … they need to open up the food to the people.”

Human Rights Watch Urges Action

Human Rights Watch stated that Israel’s plan to control Gaza, combined with the “systematic destruction” of civilian infrastructure and the import blockade, should trigger international response under the Genocide Convention. They also called on Hamas to release the remaining hostages. Israel strongly denies accusations of genocide.

Trump Eyes US Takeover Of Gaza, Calls It ‘Freedom Zone’ Amid Global Outrage

May 16, 2025, 12:06 am

Former US President Donald Trump has again raised global outcry by reaffirming his suggestion of seizing the Gaza Strip, insisting that the US could turn the war-torn Palestinian enclave into a “freedom zone.”

Trump on Thursday addressed a business roundtable in Qatar in which he labelled Gaza as devastated with not much left to conserve, referring to aerial photos exposing extensive destruction. “There’s essentially no building standing,” Trump said. “Let the United States take it, make it a freedom zone. Let some good things happen.”

This is the second time Trump has mulled the possibility. He proposed Gaza be rebuilt by the US, Palestinians possibly moved out an idea universally rejected by Palestinians, Arab states, and the United Nations as equivalent to ethnic cleansing.

The majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants have been displaced during an ongoing Israeli military campaign that has resulted in nearly 53,000 deaths since the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023. Israel began the attack after nearly 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 were taken hostage in a surprise assault.

Trump has before referred to Gaza being made into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” a prospect strenuously rejected by Palestinians. Trump’s latest comments were met with a response from Hamas official Basem Naim, who stated, “Gaza is not real estate for sale on the open market,” and also called on the former president to leverage his influence to work towards peace.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has received Trump’s offer as a “bold vision,” and explained that both leaders have spoken about some of the possible countries that would take displaced Palestinians.

Direct American involvement in Gaza may be Washington’s most important Middle East intervention since the Iraq War, a prospect many Americans are skeptical of.

Ice Cream Tycoon Ben Cohen Removed From Senate After Accusing RFK Jr of Killing With AIDS | Watch

May 15, 2025, 1:43 pm

Authorities arrested Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s and veteran progressive activist, on Tuesday after he disrupted a Senate hearing involving US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy Jr. was presenting the department’s 2026 budget. Cohen loudly objected to US military aid to Israel and its humanitarian impact on Gaza.

A Dramatic Interruption

The demonstration started when a group of protesters cried out, “RFK kills people with AIDS,” catching Kennedy mid-speech. Ben Cohen was among them and loudly complained about Congress approving Israel arms deals. He yelled, “Congress sends bombs that kill kids in Gaza and pays for it in cuts to Medicaid,” as he was quickly escorted by security.

I told Congress they’re killing poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs, and they’re paying for it by kicking poor kids off Medicaid in the US. This was the authorities’ response. pic.twitter.com/uOf7xrzzWM

— Ben Cohen (@YoBenCohen) May 14, 2025

Cohen shared a video on his X account that showed the day authorities arrested him. In the video, he can be heard repeating, “Congress sends bombs that kill children in Gaza by buying bombs and pays for it by kicking kids off Medicaid in the US.”

A Message of Outrage

Following his protests, Cohen addressed the media, calling his protest an act of conscience that was necessary. “It got to a point where we had to do something,” he stated. Blaming the U.S. government’s signing off on “$20 billion worth of bombs” to Israel, he deplored the reductions in domestic welfare programs such as Medicaid. “Most Americans detest what is happening, what our nation is doing with our money and in our name,” he stated to AFP.

He called on lawmakers to act humanely towards Gaza. “Congress and the Senators need to ease the siege. They need to let food into Gaza. They need to give food to starving kids,” he said.

Broader Political Context

Cohen’s demonstration mirrors increasing domestic dismay with U.S. foreign policy towards Israel. This sentiment has intensified in the wake of recent humanitarian issues in Gaza. The Biden administration has faced increased criticism for military assistance to Israel following reports of civilian casualties.

Cohen, whose activism is almost as well-known as his ice cream, has long been a proponent of social justice movements. His arrest joins the public outcry on legislators to rethink the ratio between defense budgets and social welfare.

Israeli Airstrike Targets Hamas Leader Mohammad Sinwar at Gaza Hospital

May 14, 2025, 8:28 am

On May 13, 2025, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a major airstrike on the Khan Younis European Hospital in the southern Gaza region. The mission was to eliminate Mohammad Sinwar, the existing Hamas leader and brother to the deceased Yahya Sinwar.

The airstrike killed at least 28 people and left many injured, sparking global outrage as well as questions regarding the targeting of hospitals during war zones.

Targeting Hamas Leaders

The IDF, jointly with Shin Bet, hit an allegedly Hamas underground command center located under the European Hospital. Mohammad Sinwar, who took over command following his brother Yahya’s death in 2024, was reportedly at the location. Though Israeli authorities have not officially confirmed his death, they still evaluate the success of the operation.

The air raid inflicted heavy damage on the hospital’s infrastructure, especially its courtyard and entrance. Dr. Saleh Al Hams, the nursing head, said that numerous people are still trapped under the rubble. The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed 28 deaths and dozens of injuries, including a freelance journalist. The hospital, one of the region’s main medical facilities, was also used as shelter for internally displaced civilians, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Hamas Denies Allegations

Hamas denied Israeli allegations of running a command center under the hospital. The group said only official Palestinian resistance platforms can confirm or deny such information. They accused Israel of trying to make the hospital inoperable and of using such accusations to legitimize strikes on civilian infrastructure.

The blockade has focused worldwide attention on the military strategy of Israel. Emmanuel Macron, French President, denounced the moves as “shameful” and demanded tighter sanctions. Tom Fletcher, the UN relief coordinator, called for intervention by the Security Council and spoke of inhumane living conditions in Gaza. The United States is pushing for renewed negotiations towards peace and restoration of humanitarian assistance, with special emphasis on the desperate situation for civilians in the area.

Current Conflict and Future Consequences

This event serves to highlight the growing tensions between Hamas and Israel, as each side commits to actions that have far-reaching humanitarian ramifications. As the diplomatic community is still working towards a solution, the international community is still worrying about the targeting of medical centers and the general consequences for civilians who find themselves trapped in the conflict.

Netanyahu Vows Gaza Offensive “With Full Force” To “Crush Hamas Completely”

May 13, 2025, 8:58 pm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that Israel’s military will increase its Gaza offensive in the near future, stressing a commitment to dismantling Hamas entirely. “In the very coming days, we are going in with full force to complete the operation. Completing the operation means defeating Hamas. It means destroying Hamas,” Netanyahu said Monday during a visit to injured reserve soldiers, according to a statement from his office.

Netanyahu explained that Israel will not cease the war. “A temporary ceasefire may occur, but we are going all the way,” he stated.

Israel resumed large-scale military action in Gaza on March 18 after negotiations over extending a January 19 truce with Hamas collapsed. The Israeli government had approved an expanded offensive plan earlier this month, which includes a long-term presence in some areas of Gaza. Military officials said the next stage would involve the displacement of a large number of the population.

The conflict has already forced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.4 million inhabitants at least one time. Netanyahu affirmed the Israeli government is trying to identify other nations who would accept Palestinian civilians. “We’ve established an administration that will enable them to go out, but we have countries that will be willing to take them in. That’s what we’re attempting to do presently,” he said, finding that “more than 50 per cent will depart” if it isn’t possible.

The war started after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which killed 1,218 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. By the United Nations’ account, some almost 53,000 civilians nearly all of them civilians have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its retaliatory offensive, numbers that the United Nations finds credible.

Israel maintains its campaign will not stop until Hamas is completely destroyed despite global condemnation.