May 22, 2025 — Early April 26th saw at least 13 Palestinians killed and several more still missing after an Israeli airstrike struck a residential building in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood, as part of Israel’s intensified military campaign across Gaza that has killed thousands and uprooted nearly the entire population. Al Jazeera reports that Gaza’s civil defense agency reported multiple family members as casualties of the conflict, while residents without heavy machinery were left digging with their bare hands to reach those still buried alive. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defense agency stated that lack of rescue equipment severely restricted efforts to save lives. Instagram Al Jazeera: As Gaza’s humanitarian situation worsens, so too do warnings from international aid groups such as the World Food Program that two million residents could be on the brink of starvation due to falling supplies and infrastructure destruction – such as bombing 40 engineering vehicles used by rescue teams used by rescue teams – further weakening emergency response capabilities and crippling emergency response capabilities. The Guardian provides more details. Israeli military operations under “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” launched mid-May to dismantle Hamas and secure hostages’ release, have intensified since mid-May. Since this offensive began, more than 300 Palestinians have been killed – mostly concentrated in northern areas like Beit Lahiya and Jabalia, according to estimates by both Reuters +3 (The Guardian) and Anadolu Ajansi +2. (According to The Guardian and Reuters respectively) +2 The situation in Gaza has been compounded by its failing healthcare system. Hospitals in its northern half, including Indonesian Hospital, have become overburdened with patients, suffering supply shortages and destruction of equipment leaving thousands without essential healthcare access. Doctors Without Borders + The Guardian + WAFA Agency. International leaders have strongly condemned Israel’s violent response. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk have described these actions as tantamount to ethnic cleansing; optimism remains low amid ongoing ceasefire talks in Doha; Israel continues its military objectives despite this. The Guardian. As deaths mount and humanitarian conditions deteriorate in Gaza, its people face an uncertain future. The international community continues to advocate for an immediate ceasefire and unfettered access to humanitarian aid as an immediate solution to relieve civilian suffering caused by conflict.
