Palestinians mourn their relatives who were killed in an Israeli army airstrike on the Gaza Strip, at the morgue of Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Israel continues its deadly military campaign in Gaza, despite international outrage. At least 85 Palestinians were killed in fresh airstrikes on Tuesday.Simultaneously, Israel allowed more humanitarian aid to enter the blockaded territory, though little has reached the people who need it most.
Limited Aid, Endless Suffering
Gaza has remained under a tight Israeli blockade for nearly three months. Though trucks carrying supplies began arriving this week, the United Nations reports that none of the aid has been distributed to civilians yet.
Aid workers face major logistical hurdles. Supplies must be unloaded and reloaded at Israeli checkpoints, a process described as “long, complex, and dangerous” by U.N. officials. The Israeli military's requirements are making timely distribution nearly impossible.
While Israeli officials said 93 aid trucks entered on Tuesday, the U.N. confirmed only a few dozen. The aid includes flour for bakeries, baby food, soup kitchen supplies, and medicine. Baby formula is being prioritized, yet none of it has reached Gaza’s two million residents, many of whom are at risk of famine.
Under Pressure, Israel Allows Minimal Aid
Facing international pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allowed a "minimal" amount of aid into Gaza. He cited pleas from allies disturbed by distressing images of starvation.
The United Nations says 100 trucks have been approved for entry — a far cry from the 600 trucks that crossed daily during a now-ended ceasefire in March. Israel’s foreign ministry says only “dozens” will enter each day going forward.
U.K. Halts Trade Talks, Sanctions Settlers
Growing global frustration is prompting political actions. On Tuesday, the United Kingdom suspended free trade negotiations with Israel. It also imposed sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Israel’s conduct, calling the escalation “horrifying.” The U.K., France, and Canada have all criticized Israel's war strategy and warned of consequences.
In response, Israeli officials denounced the move as “unjustified.” The U.K. sanctioned several settler leaders and organizations, including Daniella Weiss. Weiss countered by declaring that hundreds of Israeli families are prepared to build settlements in Gaza.
Escalation in Gaza Leaves Hundreds Dead
Israel says its renewed offensive aims to rescue hostages and destroy Hamas. Since the weekend, over 300 Palestinians have died in Gaza, health officials report.
Tuesday’s strikes were devastating. In northern Gaza, missiles hit a family home and a school-turned-shelter, killing at least 22 people — many of them women and children. Additional strikes in Deir al-Balah and the Nuseirat refugee camp claimed 28 more lives.
Khan Younis also saw deadly attacks, with 10 people killed. Israel insists it is targeting Hamas fighters and blames the group for operating in densely populated areas, causing civilian casualties.
Internal Criticism Grows in Israel
Criticism of Israel's military strategy is now emerging from within. Yair Golan, a former general and leader of the opposition Democrats party, condemned the government’s approach.
“No sane country kills babies as a hobby,” Golan said in a radio interview, accusing Israel of becoming an international outcast.
His comments sparked fierce backlash. Prime Minister Netanyahu labeled the remarks “wild incitement” and likened them to antisemitic propaganda.
Golan, who fought Hamas during its October 7 attack, refused to remain silent, urging the opposition to unite against the current Gaza policy.
Ceasefire Talks Collapse
Ceasefire negotiations have hit a wall. Netanyahu recalled Israel’s main delegation from Qatar after a week of fruitless talks. A smaller working group remains in Doha.
Qatar’s prime minister confirmed that a “fundamental gap” remains between Hamas and Israel. Hamas accused Netanyahu of staging negotiations to mislead the global community, claiming no real discussions have occurred since Saturday.
War Toll Rises, Hostages Still Held
The war erupted on October 7 when Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251. Around 58 hostages are still believed to be alive.
Israel’s retaliatory strikes have devastated Gaza. More than 53,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians. Most of the dead are women and children.
As Gaza's humanitarian crisis deepens, pressure mounts on Israel to shift course — yet the bombs continue to fall.
