Israeli airstrikes kill 23 in Gaza as outcry over aid blockade grows

A man is carried away after being injured in an Israeli army drone strike on a sidewalk in downtown Gaza City [Jehad Alshrafi/AP Photo]

| Published May 10, 2025

Cancer and diabetes patients among those suffering from Israel’s ban on entry of all items, including medicine, in Gaza.

Israeli airstrikes across Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 23 Palestinians, including children and entire families, amid a deepening humanitarian crisis exacerbated by a prolonged blockade.

Civilian Casualties and Targeted Strikes

The airstrikes targeted various locations in Gaza:

• A tent sheltering displaced families in Deir al-Balah was struck, killing four people.

• In Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood, five members of the Tlaib family, including three children, were killed when their tent was bombed.

• Drone attacks in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City resulted in six deaths, and an apartment in Sheikh Radwan was also bombed.

• Israeli gunboats opened fire on the shores of Rafah, killing one man and injuring two others in the al-Mawasi humanitarian zone.

Humanitarian Crisis Amid Blockade

Since March 2, 2025, Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza, severely restricting the entry of food, water, medicine, and fuel. This has led to the closure of many community kitchens and bakeries, leaving residents with limited access to food. The United Nations and various aid organizations have condemned the blockade, stating that children are starving and dying, and clean water is running out.

International Response and Accusations

The international community has expressed growing concern over the situation in Gaza. Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell accused Israel of committing genocide and engaging in ethnic cleansing, citing the use of starvation and massive bombings. Amnesty International also condemned the blockade, labeling it a genocidal act and a blatant form of unlawful collective punishment.

Efforts to establish new aid distribution mechanisms have faced challenges. The United Arab Emirates has declined to participate in a proposed system led by American contractors, criticizing it as a means for Israel to exert military control over essential goods.

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Implications of the Ongoing Gaza Crisis:

1. Humanitarian Catastrophe:

• Mass Casualties and Suffering: The airstrikes have led to significant civilian deaths, including children, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

• Severe Resource Shortages: The blockade has cut off essential supplies, including food, water, medicine, and fuel, pushing the region toward starvation and medical collapse.

• Psychological Trauma: Continuous bombardments and the blockade are likely to cause long-term psychological damage to the affected population, particularly children.

2. Diplomatic Fallout:

• International Condemnation: Several international bodies, including the UN, Amnesty International, and former EU officials, have accused Israel of genocide and ethnic cleansing, intensifying global criticism.

• Geopolitical Strains: The UAE’s refusal to participate in the US-led aid mechanism highlights growing tensions between Middle Eastern countries and Israel over the handling of the crisis.

3. Legal and Ethical Debates:

• War Crimes Allegations: Accusations of genocide and ethnic cleansing could lead to international legal actions or sanctions against Israel.

• Debate Over Collective Punishment: The blockade has been labeled by some human rights organizations as a form of collective punishment, which violates international law.

4. Impact on Peace Efforts:

• Reduced Trust in Negotiations: The humanitarian crisis and military actions may make any future peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine more difficult.

• Polarization of Public Opinion: The severity of the situation is likely to deepen global divisions over the Israel-Palestine conflict.

5. Potential for Regional Instability:

• Risk of Broader Conflict: Continued violence in Gaza may provoke reactions from neighboring countries or militant groups, leading to regional escalation.

• Migration Crisis: Prolonged suffering may trigger a refugee crisis, with displaced Gazans seeking safety in neighboring regions.

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Overall Takeaway

The ongoing Gaza crisis, marked by deadly Israeli airstrikes and a severe blockade, highlights a catastrophic humanitarian situation, escalating international condemnation, and deepening regional tensions. The crisis underscores the urgent need for diplomatic intervention, while the accusations of genocide and collective punishment risk severe legal and geopolitical repercussions for Israel.

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SOURCES: DAILY MAIL ONLINE – Israeli airstrikes kill 23 in Gaza as outcry over aid blockade grows

AP NEWS – Israeli airstrikes kill 23 in Gaza as outcry over aid blockade grows

AL JAZEERA – Children among 14 killed in Israel’s attacks on Gaza amid aid blockade

THE INDEPENDENT – Israeli airstrikes kill 23 in Gaza as outcry over aid blockade grows

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