As Israeli forces intensify their operations in and around Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest city, a mass exodus is underway following forced displacement orders issued by the Israeli army. The intensified military activity has resulted in a sharp increase in casualties, with reports indicating at least 71 Palestinians killed in Gaza since dawn on May 19, 2025, according to Al Jazeera.
Amidst the rising death toll and widespread displacement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that it would allow a limited amount of aid into Gaza, ending a 10-week blockade. However, the timing and specifics of the aid delivery remain unclear, raising concerns about its immediate impact on the escalating humanitarian crisis, reports Al Jazeera.
Rescuers in Gaza reported that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 22 people across the Palestinian territory on May 19, with heavy strikes concentrated in and around Khan Younis. The previous day, May 18, saw even higher casualty figures, with Israeli forces reportedly killing at least 144 people in Gaza, as stated by DAWN.COM.
The decision to allow a basic amount of food into Gaza comes after mounting international pressure to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict. The BBC reports that this limited aid aims to address the most pressing needs, though the scale of the assistance and its effectiveness in reaching those most affected remain to be seen.
The ongoing situation in Khan Younis highlights the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with the forced displacement and rising casualties raising serious concerns among international observers. The limited aid announcement is a step towards addressing the crisis, but the actual impact will depend on the timely and adequate delivery of essential supplies to the affected population.
