120 people killed in overnight airstrikes on southern Gaza city, Gaza death toll passes 53,000 as Israel drives towards ‘conquest’
Overnight Airstrikes and Death Toll
Israeli airstrikes on southern Gaza, particularly targeting the city of Khan Younis, killed at least 120 people over two days, with 54 deaths reported in Khan Younis alone during the most recent night of bombardment.
These attacks form part of a broader escalation, with at least 143 Palestinians killed in a single day, pushing the total official death toll in Gaza past 53,000 since the start of Israel’s military campaign on October 7, 2023.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that, as of May 16, 2025, at least 53,010 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 120,000 injured. Thousands more are believed to be trapped under rubble and presumed dead.
Humanitarian Crisis
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The only cancer hospital in Gaza, the European Hospital in Khan Younis, has ceased operations, leaving patients without critical care.
Nearly one million people in Gaza are facing a severe hunger crisis as the Israeli blockade, now in its third month, continues to restrict entry of food, medicine, and other essential supplies.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent Middle East tour did not include a visit to Israel or Palestine, but there had been hopes that his presence might lead to a ceasefire or the resumption of humanitarian aid. However, no such breakthrough has been reported.
Israeli Military Objectives and International Response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to intensify the military campaign in Gaza, with the stated goal of eliminating Hamas, which governs the territory.
The Israeli security cabinet has revealed plans for a full military “conquest” and occupation of Gaza, including the possible forcible displacement of the civilian population and the dismantling of Hamas.
International organizations generally consider the Gaza Health Ministry’s death toll as credible, and Israel faces ongoing scrutiny at international legal bodies, including the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, over alleged war crimes and accusations of genocide.
Conditions on the Ground
The latest airstrikes have caused widespread destruction, with reports of entire families killed, including children and journalists.
The Israeli military has not issued immediate responses to the latest incidents. Meanwhile, Palestinian rescue teams continue to recover bodies, often under challenging and dangerous conditions.
Displacement continues at a massive scale, with most of Gaza’s population having been forced to move multiple times since the conflict began.
| Statistic | Value (as of May 16, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Total Palestinian deaths | Over 53,000 |
| Injured | Nearly 120,000 |
| Deaths in recent airstrikes | 120 over two days |
| Deaths in Khan Younis (latest) | 54 |
| Deaths in one day (recent) | 143 |
| Hostages still held in Gaza | 59 (24 believed alive) |
The ongoing Israeli offensive is part of a declared strategy to achieve the “conquest” of Gaza and the destruction of Hamas, with no clear end date for the military occupation.
The humanitarian crisis is deepening, with critical infrastructure like hospitals shutting down and widespread hunger reported.
International pressure is mounting for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian access, but so far, no significant progress has been made toward de-escalation or a sustainable peace agreement.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with escalating violence, a soaring civilian death toll, and a worsening humanitarian catastrophe as Israel pursues its stated military objectives.
