The conflict in Gaza took another deadly turn on Tuesday as Israeli airstrikes claimed the lives of at least 55 Palestinians, including children and displaced civilians, according to local medical sources. The attacks—part of an intensifying military campaign—come amid mounting international pressure on Israel to cease hostilities and open up unimpeded humanitarian access to the region.
The continued violence has drawn fierce condemnation from several global leaders. The United Kingdom, expressing horror at the scale of destruction, suspended trade negotiations with Israel and summoned the Israeli ambassador for talks. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside leaders from France and Canada, reiterated demands for an immediate ceasefire and warned of “concrete actions” should the violence persist.
In a parallel development, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has reportedly called for a review of the EU-Israel trade deal, further isolating Israel diplomatically.
Gaza, now in the 20th month of war, is reeling from a worsening humanitarian crisis. The United Nations reported that, despite Israel easing its 11-week-long blockade on Monday, no aid had been distributed as of Tuesday. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that Israeli authorities require aid to be offloaded on the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom crossing before it can be moved inside Gaza. Only a few dozen trucks carrying flour, baby food, medicine, and basic necessities have trickled into the region—far short of the 500 trucks per day the UN says are needed to address the humanitarian catastrophe.
Meanwhile, indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas held in Qatar appear to have stalled. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recalled his top negotiating team for consultations, while Hamas has accused Israel of insincerity, saying no meaningful talks have occurred since Saturday.
Tragically, Tuesday’s airstrikes included attacks on two homes and a school housing displaced families. In Khan Younis, Israel had earlier warned residents to evacuate ahead of what it called an “unprecedented attack.” Gaza medics reported 18 fatalities from the strike on the homes alone, including children. Scenes of devastation followed, with Reuters footage capturing survivors rummaging through rubble for belongings amid the charred remains of their temporary shelter.
“This is injustice,” said Omar Ahel, a survivor who had been staying at the bombed school. “What did the children do? What did the women do?”
Israel’s military chief vowed to intensify operations, promising to seize more territory and “destroy terrorist infrastructure” until Hamas is defeated. The Israeli military claims Hamas hides among civilians, a claim Hamas denies.
More than 500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in the past nine days alone, bringing the total death toll to over 53,000 since the conflict reignited in October 2023 following Hamas-led attacks on Israeli communities.
As calls for sanctions and accountability grow, Israel maintains it will not be swayed by foreign pressure. The Foreign Ministry stated it will continue defending the country’s right to exist and protect its citizens.
But with nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents displaced, humanitarian organizations are sounding the alarm: Gaza is on the brink of famine, and time is quickly running out.
