As Israeli bombardments persist on the 64th day of renewed conflict in the devastated and besieged Gaza Strip, the Israeli army continued bombing and shelling various parts of the coastal enclave, killing more than 53 Palestinians and wounding dozens, including children.
Medical sources have confirmed that at least 53 Palestinians were killed and dozens more injured, including children and women, in Israeli airstrikes targeting Gaza City, as well as the northern and central areas of the enclave since midnight.
In Jabalia, northern Gaza, an Israeli missile struck a home, killing at least seven Palestinians and injuring many more.
The #Gaza Strip is likely facing its worst humanitarian crisis since October 2023.
Intensified Israeli bombardments from air, land, and sea have resulted in hundreds of casualties and mass displacement. For 11 weeks, Israeli authorities have deliberately blocked all supplies to… pic.twitter.com/IBROQ40Rb4
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) May 20, 2025
The Israeli navy also fired live rounds and shells at several parts of Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza.
In Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, an Israeli attack on the Abu Samra family home claimed the lives of twelve Palestinians, including children and women, leaving many others wounded.
In Gaza City, one Palestinian was killed and several others injured when the army bombarded Sikka Street in the Zeitoun neighborhood, southeast of the city.
Additionally, the army targeted a gas station west of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, killing fifteen Palestinians and causing numerous injuries.
Among the slain Palestinians is Ahmad Nassar, the principal of Ezz Bin Abdul-Salam Secondary School in central Gaza, who was killed along with his wife, four daughters, and several other family members in an Israeli airstrike on their displacement center in Nuseirat refugee camp.
Several Palestinians were wounded when the army fired a missile at a tent housing displaced families in Al-Mawasi, west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
Also in Khan Younis, two Palestinians were killed and many injured when an Israeli drone struck displaced families in Al-Manara, in the eastern part of the city.
The Health Ministry in Gaza reported that an Israeli bombing of Mousa Bin Nusair School, which was housing displaced families east of Gaza City, resulted in the deaths of twelve Palestinians and multiple injuries.
After 80 days of restrictions, Israel announced plans to allow nine aid trucks into Gaza. Reports from Israeli media suggest the decision was influenced by Hamas’s negotiations with U.S. officials regarding the release of Israeli-American soldier Idan Alexander.
Gaza’s Government Media Office stressed that the territory urgently requires at least 500 aid trucks per day to alleviate the worsening humanitarian disaster.
Israel is intensifying its ground and air attacks as Palestinians struggle to flee a new “evacuation” order. pic.twitter.com/yxEEePHiJT
— AJ+ (@ajplus) May 19, 2025
In Europe, Israel Hayom cited an EU source indicating that foreign ministers are scheduled to discuss suspending the bloc’s partnership agreement with Israel.
Meanwhile, the leaders of Britain, France, and Canada issued a joint statement demanding an immediate halt to Israeli military operations in Gaza and urging unrestricted aid access. They warned that they “will not remain passive” while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government continues its actions.
Additionally, Britain, France, and Canada reiterated their opposition to Israel’s settlement expansion and hinted at possible punitive measures, including sanctions.
Furthermore, The Jerusalem Post reported that Israeli Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar stated that Israel intends to annex land in Gaza if Hamas does not release Israeli captives and permanently leave the territory.
He reportedly argued that Israel cannot afford famine in Gaza, as it would lead to a loss of international support.
Zohar also remarked that, while the current moment is “not ideal for annexing the West Bank,” the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump provided opportunities to pursue such plans.
Eyewitness video captured an Israeli airstrike hitting west Khan Younis in Gaza as people flee tents amid gunfire. pic.twitter.com/n1GPPWqY7r
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) May 19, 2025
He asserted that Washington has a vested interest in ensuring Israel maintains a strategic advantage in its conflict with Iran and described Israel and the U.S. as close partners, “acknowledging some differences but expressing confidence that Trump would always support Israel.”
On Monday night, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) urged Israeli authorities to lift their blockade on Gaza, which has intensified since March 2.
The agency warned that despair in the territory has reached critical levels as residents endure severe hardship under relentless Israeli bombardment and forced displacement.
In a statement posted on X, UNRWA highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing siege, systematic starvation, and restrictions on vital aid. The agency cautioned that the situation continues to deteriorate, with families struggling to find food and supplies while thousands are forced to flee.
“The gates have got to be open—not just 5 or 9 trucks, but 500, 600 every single day. Aid must flow to #Gaza at full scale” UNRWA @JulietteTouma to @CNN.
The scale of aid must increase drastically: 500+ trucks daily to meet basic needs, including UNRWA, the largest humanitarian… pic.twitter.com/j6G2WmCLs5
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) May 19, 2025
UNRWA stressed that Israel must immediately end its blockade, which has deprived 2.4 million Palestinians of essential goods and services.
Israeli authorities have continued to enforce restrictions on Gaza, preventing humanitarian convoys from reaching those in desperate need. The prolonged closure of crossings since early March has led to extreme food shortages, pushing the region toward famine and resulting in numerous deaths.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has now killed at least 53,581 Palestinians, including more than 15,626 children, 9,808 women, and 245 journalists, with more than 121,398 injured, largely women and children, across the coastal region.
These figures are not final, as approximately 11,160 Palestinians remain missing, many trapped under rubble or stranded in areas inaccessible to rescue teams.
