Khan Younis: In a devastating attack on May 13, 2025, Israeli airstrikes targeted the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including prominent Palestinian journalist Hassan Eslaih. Several patients and hospital staff were also wounded in the bombing, further intensifying the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.
The attack on the hospital has sparked widespread condemnation, with many local and international figures calling it an attack on civilian infrastructure. Eslaih, who was working as a journalist in Gaza, was one of the casualties, with mourners gathering in Khan Younis to pay their respects to the late journalist. His death has drawn attention to the growing risks faced by journalist covering the ongoing conflict.
In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged the international community to push for an end to Israel’s blockade on Gaza, warning that the entire population faces the threat of famine. The UN’s humanitarian agencies have been grappling with the consequences of the blockade, which has severely limited access to essential goods, medical supplies, and aid for millions of people trapped in the Gaza Strip.
The war, which has now entered its eighth month, has claimed the lives of at least 52,862 Palestinians, with over 119,648 reported as wounded. As the conflict drags on, the Gaza Health Ministry's toll is now believed to be over 61,700, as thousands remain buried under rubble with little hope of recovery. The growing number of casualties underscores the catastrophic impact of the ongoing military actions on Gaza's population.
In parallel to the humanitarian devastation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he will send mediators to Qatar to begin truce talks, following the release of a US-Israeli soldier by Hamas. Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel would pause plans to expand military operations in Gaza, with a window of diplomatic opportunity opening around US President Donald Trump’s scheduled Middle East visit.
The conflict has already resulted in significant loss of life on both sides. On October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel left 1,139 people dead, with over 200 more taken captive. As peace efforts continue to be discussed, the scale of destruction and the ongoing toll on civilians in Gaza present a daunting challenge for the international community to address.
