Israel's fierce air strike in Gaza: 70 killed including 22 children, Netanyahu declares - "War continues until Hamas is destroyed"

Gaza: Israel carried out a series of air strikes on the Gaza Strip, killing at least 70 people, including 22 children. The attack took place on Tuesday night and early Wednesday, completely breaking the ceasefire that began in January. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clearly said that there is no question of stopping the attacks until Hamas is completely destroyed and the hostages are released. This attack has further deepened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Let us look at the facts, effects and global reactions to this development.

Air strikes in Gaza: What happened?

According to local health officials, Israel carried out intense air strikes on northern and southern Gaza on the night of May 13 and the morning of May 14. In Jabaliya in northern Gaza, 48 people were killed, including 22 children, while an attack on a hospital in Khan Younis killed 16 people. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reported that the attacks injured 562 people, mostly women and children. Bodies piled up at the Indonesian Hospital and Al-Ahli Hospital, and medical facilities were struggling with a shortage of supplies.

The Israeli military (IDF) claimed that the attacks targeted Hamas military positions, mid-level commanders and infrastructure. IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said, "Hamas broke the ceasefire and was planning new attacks, so we had to retaliate."

Netanyahu's stance: No ceasefire, but the elimination of Hamas

"Our goal is to destroy Hamas and release all hostages. This is only the beginning," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address on May 14. He dismissed the possibility of a ceasefire, saying any negotiations now would be "under fire." Netanyahu claimed military pressure helped secure the hostages' release, though the hostages' families said the move put their lives at risk.

Netanyahu accused Hamas of breaking the ceasefire, while Hamas said Israel refused to begin a second phase of talks, which included a full military withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war.

Humanitarian crisis in Gaza

The 18-month war has devastated Gaza's 2.3 million population. More than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed since the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, according to the Ministry of Health. 90% of the population is displaced, and food, water, and medicines are in dire shortage. Humanitarian aid has been halted due to the 10-week Israeli blockade, leading to starvation and disease.

UNICEF reported that Tuesday's attacks killed 130 children, the largest single-day death toll in over a year. "Children were sleeping with their families in shelters, and they lost their lives," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

Global reactions

1. US: The White House said Israel had consulted the Trump administration before the attacks. National Security Council spokesman Bryan Hughes blamed Hamas for breaking the ceasefire.
2. Egypt and Qatar: Both countries condemned the attacks and demanded the ceasefire be restored.
3. Turkey: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labelled Israel a "terrorist state".
4. UN: UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said the "little progress" made during the ceasefire had been destroy

Criticism of Israel and the hostage issue

Protests against Netanyahu have intensified in Israel. The hostages' families and supporters have demanded a ceasefire, saying the military action is putting the hostages' lives at risk. Hamas still has 24 living hostages and 35 bodies. "Military pressure puts hostages at risk, compromise brings them back," hostage Yordan Bibas wrote on Facebook.

Conclusion

Israel's latest air strikes have caused massive destruction in Gaza, killing 70 people, including 22 children. Netanyahu's refusal to agree to a ceasefire and announcement of intensifying military action against Hamas could further escalate regional tensions. The global community is demanding a ceasefire, but the growing hostility between Israel and Hamas is a major obstacle to peace.