Gaza City – The relentless conflict in Gaza has pushed the death toll past a staggering 61,700, according to the Government Media Office, with thousands more presumed dead under the rubble. The grim milestone was reached amidst a series of attacks coinciding with Nakba Day, the 77th anniversary of the displacement of Palestinians in 1948.
Recent Escalations
Medical sources reported that Israeli attacks on May 16, 2025, alone resulted in at least 143 Palestinian deaths. Among the incidents, an Israeli strike on a medical clinic in the Jabalia refugee camp reportedly killed 13 people, including children. Northern Gaza also witnessed intense artillery shelling, claiming at least two lives in Beit Lahiya, a refuge for displaced Palestinians. Since midnight on May 16, Israeli attacks have killed 26 Palestinians.
West Bank Tensions Rise
The violence extends beyond Gaza. In the West Bank, tensions are escalating following the killing of a settler. Pro-settler leaders, including an Israeli minister, have called for the razing of Palestinian towns. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir asserted the primacy of Israeli settlers’ rights over Palestinian freedom of movement, advocating for permanent checkpoints and the death penalty for individuals labeled as “terrorists.”
UN Rejects US-Backed Aid Plan
The United Nations has rejected a US-backed aid plan for Gaza, citing concerns over neutrality. The UN insists on adherence to principles of neutrality and independence in delivering essential humanitarian aid to the region. This decision comes as an Israeli airstrike on Khan Younes on May 15 resulted in multiple fatalities, further compounding the humanitarian crisis.
Settler Violence in the West Bank
Also on May 15, Israeli colonists stormed a Bedouin community near Jericho in the West Bank. Israeli forces shot a young man and detained a woman during the settler activity, while colonists set fire to a bulldozer in the central West Bank. The ongoing violence and displacement paint a dire picture of the region’s escalating crisis.
A Region on Edge
The situation remains volatile, with the rising death toll and continued disputes over aid threatening to further destabilize the region. The international community is watching closely as the conflict continues to unfold, with mounting pressure for a peaceful resolution and increased humanitarian assistance.