Gaza Strip – April 19, 2025: At least 70 Palestinians have been killed in intensified Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip since dawn on Friday, according to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera. The deadliest assaults struck the southern city of Khan Younis, where Israeli military helicopters targeted tents sheltering displaced families, including one in the al-Mawasi area that killed at least five people.
Gaza’s Civil Defence reported that Israeli forces launched repeated bombings on makeshift shelters in al-Mawasi, where thousands of displaced Palestinians have taken refuge amid ongoing hostilities. Emergency responders are currently receiving casualties from the area and fear the death toll may rise further.
In a separate incident, Israeli forces bombed a residential home in Khan Younis, killing at least two more Palestinians. The air raid occurred just hours after a wider military operation took place in southern Gaza. Al Jazeera reports that the strikes have left dozens injured, with many victims transported to overwhelmed medical facilities struggling to cope with the influx of patients.
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Medical teams in Gaza confirmed that at least 64 people had been killed across the Gaza Strip by Friday afternoon, with the number rising rapidly as attacks continued throughout the day. Al Jazeera reports that the overall death toll reached 70 by early evening, reflecting a sharp escalation in Israeli military operations in the besieged territory.
UN Sounds Alarm Over Food Crisis
As violence escalates, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a dire warning about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The agency stated that “Gaza needs food now,” highlighting the severe shortages and growing risk of famine faced by hundreds of thousands of residents. The WFP emphasized that limited access, ongoing conflict, and blockades have disrupted food distribution and physically disabled local supply chains.
The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as displaced families shelter in overcrowded tents, often without access to clean water, electricity, or basic medical services. Aid agencies warn that if safe corridors are not opened soon, the situation could become catastrophic.
Escalating Violence and Regional Tensions
The latest Israeli strikes come amid ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israeli forces. Tensions have soared since October 2023, and ceasefire efforts have repeatedly failed. Over the past few weeks, Israeli military activity has increased significantly in southern Gaza, particularly around Khan Younis, which has become a focal point for both military operations and humanitarian distress.
Residents in the Gaza Strip have expressed fear and frustration over the continued assaults and the lack of international intervention. “We have no safe place left. Even the tents where we hide are being bombed,” said one survivor in al-Mawasi, speaking to Al Jazeera.
As the death toll climbs and hunger spreads, global calls for an immediate ceasefire and increased humanitarian access are growing louder. The situation remains volatile, and without urgent action from international actors, both the human cost and regional instability are expected to worsen.
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