Gaza Civil Defence Says 19 Killed in Israeli Strikes

Gaza Civil Defence Says 19 Killed in Israeli Strikes

Gaza City – May 6, 2025:
At least 19 people have been killed in a wave of Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to a statement issued by Gaza’s Civil Defence department on Monday. The strikes reportedly targeted densely populated residential neighborhoods, resulting in widespread destruction and civilian casualties.

Local officials said rescue operations were ongoing, with emergency teams struggling to reach those trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings. “It’s a scene of devastation,” said Mahmoud Hamad, a spokesperson for Gaza Civil Defence. “Entire families have been wiped out. We are pulling the dead and the injured from under the ruins with our bare hands.”

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as explosions rocked various areas across Gaza. Families rushed out of their homes, seeking shelter amid the sound of fighter jets and falling debris. Hospitals, already operating under severe shortages of medical supplies and fuel, have been overwhelmed by the influx of casualties.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, many of the victims were women and children. Several residential buildings, a marketplace, and a school were among the structures reported damaged or destroyed in the attacks. Ambulance crews and medical workers have made urgent appeals for support, warning that the healthcare system is on the verge of collapse.

The Israeli military confirmed that it had launched a “precision operation” against what it called Hamas military targets, including weapons storage facilities and tunnels. A statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes were intended to disrupt “imminent threats” and retaliate against rocket fire launched from Gaza earlier this week.

“We are targeting Hamas operatives and infrastructure while taking steps to minimize civilian harm,” the IDF said. However, Palestinian officials have accused Israel of indiscriminate attacks and collective punishment.

This latest escalation comes amid a fragile and tense atmosphere in the region, with ceasefire talks stalled and diplomatic channels largely inactive. The violence has drawn sharp reactions from the international community. The United Nations has expressed “deep concern” over the rising civilian toll and called for both sides to exercise restraint.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement, “Civilians, especially women and children, continue to pay the highest price in this conflict. We urge all parties to abide by international humanitarian law and work towards a lasting ceasefire.”

Human rights organizations have also condemned the airstrikes, calling for independent investigations into alleged violations. Amnesty International issued a statement urging the international community to take immediate steps to protect civilians and ensure accountability for war crimes.

On the ground in Gaza, the situation remains dire. Power outages are widespread, and access to clean water and food is becoming increasingly limited. More than 1.5 million residents have been displaced since the start of the conflict, many of them living in overcrowded shelters or makeshift camps.

Residents are expressing growing fear and frustration. “We have nowhere to go,” said Salma al-Khatib, a mother of four who lost her home in the strikes. “Every day we wake up not knowing if we’ll survive to see the next.”

The broader conflict between Israel and Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, has persisted for years, with intermittent periods of intense violence. Despite repeated efforts by regional and international actors to mediate peace, a lasting resolution has remained elusive.

As of now, there is no official word on when or if ceasefire negotiations will resume. In the meantime, the people of Gaza continue to endure the consequences of war — with the latest toll of 19 lives lost serving as yet another grim reminder of the conflict’s devastating human cost.