On May 16, 2025, one of the deadliest nights in recent months occurred in the Gaza Strip, with Israeli airstrikes killing more than 74 people, including many women and children. The air strikes began shortly after midnight, targeting what Israel claimed were Hamas tunnels, storage of weapons, and command centers. Eyewitnesses and local journalists claimed that airstrikes continued consistently in populous areas, particularly Khan Younis and Rafah. Rescue workers had a challenging time to even reach survivors trapped underneath blocks of rubble since entire residential blocks were flattened in minutes.
Israel’s Justification and Military Strategy
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the airstrikes are part of a broader, ongoing military operation to “neutralize key militant threats.” IDF officials maintained there was concrete intelligence that serious attacks were being planned inside Gaza soon prompting the preemptive strike safeguards. Israel’s Iron Dome intercepted several dozen rockets in southern Israeli towns fired in retaliation from Gaza as well. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a press release, “We remain first and foremost committed to the safety of Israelis and will continue to respond decisively to terror.” However, critics claim that Israel’s response is far too excessive for the provocations, where innocent civilians have suffered heavy losses and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Read more- Unprecedented Tornado Outbreak Leaves a Trail of Destruction
Humanitarian Concerns and International Reactions
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening rapidly. Hospitals are overwhelmed and have additional shortages of medicine as well as damaged infrastructure. International organizations such as the UN and Red Cross have called for immediate ceasefires and access to emergency aid. Protests emerged in cities all over the world, including London, Istanbul, and New York, demanding the violence cease. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting, but there was no resolution. Meanwhile, residents in Gaza are subject to ongoing electricity blackouts, food shortages, and extreme terror. click here for the source
