In a stark escalation of rhetoric and action, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to maintain full control over Gaza until what he described as “total victory” is achieved. This declaration comes on a day marked by intense bloodshed, with Gaza civic agencies reporting at least 44 civilian deaths due to Israeli strikes.
The Israeli campaign in Gaza, named Operation Gideon’s Chariots, continues to intensify despite mounting international criticism. In just the past eight days, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed over 500 people, with 91 deaths recorded on Monday alone, according to Gaza’s Civil Defense Agency. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) also confirmed the death of a soldier, Yusf Yehuda Chadak, aged 22, in northern Gaza. The cause of his death is currently under investigation.
International Condemnation and Threats of Sanctions
The ongoing offensive has sparked a sharp rebuke from Western allies. The United Kingdom, France, and Canada issued a joint statement condemning the expansion of Israeli military operations in Gaza. The statement described the level of human suffering in the enclave as “intolerable” and warned of potential concrete actions, including sanctions, if the offensive continues.
These nations also criticized the limited entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, calling it inadequate and urging Israel to work with the United Nations to ensure aid delivery in accordance with humanitarian principles.
In response, Netanyahu took to the social media platform X to accuse the leaders of London, Ottawa, and Paris of effectively rewarding the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by opposing the military campaign. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to achieving total victory in Gaza.
Displacement and Civilian Anguish
Amid the intensifying conflict, Israel has issued an evacuation order for residents of Khan Yunis, warning of an “unprecedented” attack and instructing civilians to flee to the coast. The order triggered scenes of panic, with families carrying the elderly on their backs and pushing children in wheelchairs in a desperate attempt to escape the violence.
“We are slowly dying every day,” said a resident. “Is there anyone on this planet who can live what a human is living in Gaza? I don’t think anyone can bear what we are bearing.”
The humanitarian situation remains dire. After an 11-week blockade, Israel has allowed just 98 aid trucks into Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing. However, according to United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher, this is woefully insufficient. He emphasized that Gaza needs hundreds of aid trucks daily, stating, “To say that this is a drop in the ocean is a clear understatement.”
Call for Full Resumption of Aid
In a coordinated appeal, 22 donor countries, including France, Germany, the UK, and Italy, issued a joint statement urging Israel to allow the full resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza. They stressed the urgency of the crisis and the immediate need for sustained and unrestricted access for relief efforts.
As global scrutiny grows and pressure mounts from international actors, the situation in Gaza remains critical. Netanyahu’s stance indicates no immediate de-escalation, setting the stage for further conflict and humanitarian fallout in the days ahead.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information available from news sources and official statements as of May 2025. The situation in Gaza is rapidly changing, and facts may evolve. We aim to present balanced coverage but encourage readers to follow updates from trusted news organizations for the latest developments.
