Smoke rises over Gaza following Israeli airstrikes on July 14, 2025. Photo: AP/Abdel Kareem Hana
Key Attacks Since Dawn
- Nuseirat Water Point Massacre: An Israeli missile struck civilians collecting water in Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 8 Palestinians—including 6 children and injuring 17 others. The IDF admitted a "technical malfunction," claiming it aimed for an Islamic Jihad militant. Dr. Ahmed Abu Saifan at Al-Awda Hospital described "indescribable horror" as bodies lay beside shattered water containers.
- Gaza City Street Strike: An attack on pedestrians in central Gaza City killed 11 people and wounded 30, including prominent surgeon Dr. Ahmad Qandil. The IDF has not commented on this incident.
- Zawaida Residential Bombing: Nine died—including two women and three children—when a home was hit in central Gaza. The IDF stated it was "unaware" of this strike.
Context of Carnage
Rising Death Toll: Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 58,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023, with 139 added in the past 24 hours alone. Women and children comprise over half the fatalities.
Humanitarian Catastrophe: The attacks compound Gaza’s water crisis, with fuel shortages shutting desalination plants. The UN warns of "imminent famine," and 67 children have already died from malnutrition.
Failed Ceasefire Talks: Negotiations in Qatar remain deadlocked. Hamas rejects Israeli maps leaving 40% of Gaza under occupation, while Israel demands Hamas disarm and leaders go into exile—conditions Hamas refuses. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff claims optimism, but sources describe "faded" hopes.
Political and Military Developments
- "Humanitarian City" Controversy: Netanyahu’s cabinet discussed relocating hundreds of thousands of Gazans to Rafah. Critics condemn it as forced displacement.
- IDF Operations: Israel struck 150+ targets in 24 hours, alleging militant sites. It blames Hamas for civilian casualties.
- West Bank Violence: Funerals were held for Palestinian-American Sayfollah Musallet and Mohammed al-Shalabi. The IDF cited "rock-throwing" by Palestinians as a trigger.
International Reactions
- ICC Warrants: Arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant were issued for war crimes. ICJ ordered Israel to allow aid—directives largely ignored.
- Sanctions: The UK, Australia, and Canada imposed asset freezes on Israeli ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich for incitement.
- Aid Blockade: Israel halted all food and medicine entry to Gaza. Amnesty International calls this a genocidal act.
Voices from the Rubble
"They deceive us, letting us come to receive aid. They let us carry the bags, then started shooting at us as if we were ducks being hunted," said survivor Mohammad Barbakh.
"There is no safe place," witness Ramadan Nassar said after the Nuseirat strike.
Outlook
With ceasefire talks stalled and Netanyahu vowing to destroy Hamas "at any cost," Gaza’s 2.3 million people face intensified violence and systematic deprivation. UN officials warn of "ethnic cleansing," as the international community remains divided, leaving civilians trapped in an unending nightmare.