Gaza City, May 20, 2025 — At least 60 people were killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Monday, according to health officials in the Hamas-run enclave, as global condemnation of Israel’s military campaign intensifies amid mounting humanitarian concerns.
Local authorities said the dead included women and children, and that residential areas, including parts of Rafah and northern Gaza, were among those hit. Images from the ground showed collapsed buildings, smoke plumes rising over densely populated neighborhoods, and rescue workers digging through rubble to search for survivors.
The Israeli military said the strikes targeted what it described as “terrorist infrastructure” and operatives from Hamas and Islamic Jihad. In a statement, it added that the operations were part of ongoing efforts to dismantle militant capabilities following months of cross-border attacks.
“We are acting with precision to neutralize threats,” an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson said. “Every effort is made to minimize civilian harm, but Hamas embeds itself among civilians.”
However, the scale and intensity of the latest attacks have drawn renewed scrutiny from humanitarian organizations and foreign governments. The United Nations called for an immediate ceasefire, while the European Union expressed “grave concern” over the civilian death toll and called for restraint on all sides.
“The humanitarian situation is catastrophic, and the laws of war must be respected,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement. “Civilians must never be a target.”
In Washington, a growing number of lawmakers have urged the Biden administration to reconsider military aid to Israel. Protests erupted in several cities, including London, Paris, and New York, where demonstrators called for an end to the violence and greater protection for Palestinian civilians.
Since the beginning of the latest escalation, over 500 people have been reported killed in Gaza, with hospitals overwhelmed and critical supplies running low. The UN estimates more than 80% of the population has been displaced since hostilities resumed last year.
Israel has faced increasing legal and diplomatic pressure, including hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where South Africa and other countries have accused it of potential violations of international law — claims Israel strongly denies.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, efforts to broker a ceasefire remain stalled. Egypt and Qatar, which have mediated in previous conflicts, continue to push for negotiations, though talks appear fragile.