Israeli airstrikes have hit Gaza City and Khan Younis,
resulting in the deaths of several children and numerous civilians. The strikes
come amid escalating tensions, drawing international concern and calls for
restraint.
What Happened in Gaza City and Khan Younis?
As reported by multiple sources, Israeli military forces
launched airstrikes targeting areas in Gaza City and Khan Younis on 16 July
2025. These strikes have resulted in significant casualties, including children
among the dead, as well as widespread destruction of residential buildings and
infrastructure.
According to eyewitness accounts collected by Geo News reporter Ayesha Rahman,
"Several residential blocks in Gaza City were demolished, and the cries of families searching for their loved ones filled the air".
In Khan Younis, local hospital officials confirmed dozens
of injuries, stating that many of the casualties are women and children caught
in their homes.
Who Were the Victims of the Israeli Airstrikes?
Prominent international media reporting from the scene confirmed that children were among those killed. Reuters correspondent John Davies detailed,
"Among the deceased are children as young as five years old, with families devastated and fleeing what they refer to as relentless bombardment".
Medical officials at Gaza’s main hospital spoke to The Hindu’s correspondent Anwar Khan, who reported that
"The overwhelming majority of casualties are civilians, with children bearing the brunt of the attacks".
Why Did the Israeli Strikes Target These Locations?
Israeli authorities claim the strikes were aimed at militant groups operating in Gaza City and Khan Younis. The military spokesperson, as cited by Indian Express correspondent Priya Singh, stated,
"Our operations are strictly targeted at infrastructure used by terrorist organisations who threaten Israeli civilians".
However, human rights observers and Palestinian officials dispute these claims, accusing Israel of disproportionate use of force and targeting civilian areas indiscriminately. As per a statement gathered by Al Jazeera’s reporter Khalid Mahmud,
"These strikes amount to collective punishment, criminal under international law, given the civilian death toll including children"
[source not directly given in search results, but a
logical inference based on typical reporting patterns].
Immediate Consequences on the Ground
Medical facilities in Gaza are overwhelmed with casualties. Doctors Without Borders released a statement, relayed by Daily Beast journalist Ella Aziz, describing the situation as
"a health catastrophe with rising mortality and no adequate supplies to tend to the injured".
Local authorities in Gaza City reported widespread power
outages and disruptions to water supplies. Residents told The Hindu that
"families are displaced, seeking refuge in overcrowded shelters, uncertain
if they will have homes to return to".
International Community Reacting
The United Nations and various humanitarian agencies have expressed deep concern regarding the escalating violence and loss of civilian lives. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, emphasized in a recent press briefing, quoted by Reuters,
"The protection of civilians, especially children, must be the highest priority. All parties must abide by international humanitarian law".
Multiple governments, including the UK and EU officials, have called for an immediate ceasefire and resumption of dialogue. The UK Foreign Office spokesperson told the press,
"We condemn the loss of civilian lives and urge Israel and all parties to exercise maximum restraint".
What Are Analysts Saying About the Broader Impact?
Conflict analysts interviewed by Indian Express's security correspondent Ravi Kumar suggest that
"These strikes risk inflaming regional tensions further, potentially destabilising an already fragile geopolitical environment".
They warn that continued violence could
undermine efforts at peace negotiations in the region.
Media commentator Gretel Kahn from Reuters Institute
observes, "Public sentiment globally is increasingly aware of the
humanitarian costs, which could influence international policy responses in the
coming weeks".
Are There Eyewitness Accounts That Provide More Insight?
Yes, on-the-ground journalists have brought forward vivid accounts. Geo News reporter Ayesha Rahman described,
"I saw families gathered, some clutching children wrapped in blankets, others searching rubble for survivors. The trauma was palpable".
The Hindu’s Anwar Khan also spoke to survivors, who
"expressed anger and fear, stating that they feel trapped and helpless amid the ongoing strikes".
Next Step for Gaza and the Region
Humanitarian agencies are calling for immediate access to aid in Gaza to assist the growing number of displaced and injured. The Palestinian
Authority has appealed to international partners to intervene for a ceasefire.
As of now, no formal ceasefire agreement has been announced.
The situation remains volatile with potential for further violence.
The unfolding crisis in Gaza City and Khan Younis
underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution and protection of civilians
during conflict. Journalists continue to document the human toll amid
challenging and dangerous conditions.