Airstrikes carried out by Israel result in the deaths of at least 64 individuals in Gaza, occurring during the conclusion of Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East.
In the heart of the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, displaced Palestinians from Beit Lahia make their way to Jabalia, the northernmost part of the Gaza Strip. [AP/YONHAP]
This scene repeats daily, as relentless airstrikes force thousands to flee their homes, seeking refuge in overcrowded shelters.
A Long-Standing Conflict Erupts Again
The latest escalation in this war-torn region is a part of Operation "Gideon’s Chariots," launched by Israel on May 17, 2025, to pressure Hamas and eradicate the militant group. [1][2] This year-long conflict began in earnest on October 7, 2023, when Palestinian armed groups initiated attacks on southern Israel, sparking a chain of events that exacerbated tensions and persist to this day.
Mounting Losses and Destruction
The Israeli military strikes, aimed at both military sites and civilian areas, have caused widespread destruction and heart-wrenching casualties. A striking example can be seen in the Al-Maghazi refugee camp, where an Israeli airstrike on April 16, 2024, claimed the lives of 15 civilians, including 10 children. [5]
In an additional horror, U.N. schools designated as shelters have also become targets. On May 6, 2025, a U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) school in Bureij, central Gaza, was struck twice by Israeli airstrikes, inflicting heavy civilian casualties. [4]
A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding
The impact of these operations has forced over 90% of Gaza's population to flee their homes, often multiple times. Displacement and partially or completely destroyed border crossings, such as the Rafah crossing with Egypt, severely limit the movement and escape opportunities for civilians. [5]
The blockade and military operations have resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with large-scale destruction of civilian infrastructure, shortages of basic supplies, and restrictions on aid deliveries. International organizations, including the United Nations, have criticized policies that appear intent on obstructing the flow of life-sustaining items and pressuring the civilian population. [4]
A Traumatized People in Dire Need
According to reports, by mid-2024, the conflict had resulted in at least 23,000 deaths, a large proportion being women, children, and elderly civilians. Over 52,000 people have suffered from conflict-related injuries, many of whom will require extensive rehabilitation. [5]
With no end to the conflict in sight, Palestinians in Gaza face an uncertain future. Humanitarian organizations stress the urgency of delivering aid whileworld leaders grapple with finding a lasting solution to the crisis. [1][2][3][4][5]
[1] "Israeli airstrikes in Gaza kill 60 people, including 22 children, Health Ministry says" - Associated Press[2] "Trump visiting Gulf Arab states while crises flare in Gaza and Iran" - Associated Press[3] "Gaza cease-fire talks in Cairo near 'significant breakthrough,' two security sources say" - Reuters[4] "Palestinians mourn children from their families who were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip on May 14. [AP/YONHAP]" - Associated Press[5] "Mourners pray over the bodies of Palestinians killed in an Israeli military airstrike that hit a U.N. school, during a funeral in Jabaliya, northern Gaza Strip, on May 12, 2025. [AP/YONHAP]" - Associated Press
[Enrichment Data]The recent Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip have been primarily triggered by ongoing hostilities and hostage situations involving Hamas. On May 17, 2025, Israel launched a new extensive military operation named "Gideon’s Chariots," aiming to pressure Hamas to release hostages and to defeat the group militarily. This operation involves extensive airstrikes and troop mobilization in Gaza, coming just after a U.S. presidential visit to the Middle East[1][2]. These operations are a continuation of an extended conflict that escalated notably on October 7, 2023, when Palestinian armed groups launched attacks on southern Israel, seen as war crimes by many observers. Israel responded with a massive bombing campaign and ground operations in Gaza, resulting in a protracted military offensive that has caused immense destruction and a humanitarian crisis[3]. The Israeli military strikes have targeted military sites but have also involved significant unlawful airstrikes on civilian areas – including homes, infrastructure, and refugee camps. For instance, on April 16, 2024, an Israeli airstrike killed 15 civilians, including 10 children, in the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza[5]. The internal displacement caused by the conflict compounded by the partial or complete destruction of border crossings, notably the Rafah crossing with Egypt, which severely limits the movement and escape opportunities for civilians. Additionally, Israeli airstrikes have struck U.N. schools used as shelters for displaced Palestinians, raising concerns about the safety of these humanitarian spaces. Over 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, many already internally displaced. The displacement is compounded by the partial or complete destruction of border crossings, notably the Rafah crossing with Egypt, which severely limits the movement and escape opportunities for civilians. A large-scale operation in the Rafah area beginning in early May 2025 displaced over 1.2 million Palestinians, many of whom were already internally displaced. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have criticized Israeli measures that appear designed to obstruct the flow of life-sustaining items and pressure the civilian population. The blockade and military operations have produced a severe humanitarian crisis, with widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, shortages of supplies, and restrictions on aid deliveries. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have criticized Israeli measures that appear designed to obstruct the flow of life-sustaining items and pressure the civilian population. Aid workers face dangerous conditions, and many vulnerable people are unable to access necessary supplies. According to WHO and health authorities, by mid-2024, at least 23,000 Palestinians had been killed, with a large proportion being women, children, and elderly civilians. Over 52,000 people suffered conflict-related injuries, with many requiring long-term rehabilitation due to the severity of their wounds.
- In the heart of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the arts community has stepped forward to provide support and comfort to the traumatized population, organizing various cultural events and workshops to help children cope with their experiences.
- As the crisis in Gaza deepens, the World Health Organization struggles to address the mounting health concerns of the displaced population, particularly in the areas of mental health and nutrition, exacerbated by the ongoing war-and-conflicts.
- Amidst the chaos and destruction, the looming threat of crime-and-justice in the region is a growing concern for the displaced, as reports of theft and violence against civilians increase in overcrowded shelters. Moreover, the pressures on the general-news media to cover the ongoing conflict have been compounded by the risks posed by accidents during war reporting, as journalists strive to bring the truth to a global audience.
