Gaza Strip – May 21, 2025 — Israeli forces intensified their bombardment of Gaza on Tuesday, killing at least four more people and pushing the death toll to 42 since dawn. The fresh wave of attacks comes amid mounting international outrage over what the European Union and United Kingdom have called a “monstrous” war on the densely populated enclave.
Gaza health officials report that since March 2, at least 326 Palestinians have died due to what they describe as Israel’s “starvation policy,” with the blockade preventing access to basic necessities. The United Nations has issued a dire warning: as many as 14,000 babies could die within 48 hours without immediate humanitarian intervention.
Despite limited aid trucks entering Gaza, the UN confirms that no food or medical assistance has been distributed, citing Israeli-imposed restrictions. This growing humanitarian crisis deepens concerns over the already staggering casualties.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 53,573 Palestinians have been killed and 121,688 wounded since the war began. However, Gaza’s Government Media Office now estimates the true death toll exceeds 61,700, factoring in the thousands believed to be buried beneath rubble.
The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led fighters launched an unprecedented assault on Israel, killing approximately 1,139 people and taking over 200 hostages.