Gaza Faces Escalating Crisis: Over 100 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Raids on July 19, Hamas Claims Ceasefire Rejection

Gaza Faces Escalating Crisis: Over 100 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Raids on July 19, Hamas Claims Ceasefire Rejection

The humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip remains exceptionally dire as of Friday, July 19, 2025, marked by significant casualties and stalled peace efforts.

Alarming Casualties in Israeli Operations:

 

 Hospital sources in Gaza report that at least 104 Palestinians were killed in Israeli military operations on July 19, 2025.

 

 A particularly concerning incident saw at least 32 individuals killed when Israeli forces opened fire on crowds of Palestinians attempting to reach food distribution points operated by a U.S.- and Israeli-backed organization in southern Gaza. These tragic events occurred in the Teina area near Khan Yunis and the Shakoush area near Rafah. Eyewitness accounts and medical officials corroborate these incidents, noting that many victims sustained gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

 

 Other fatalities reported today include:

   

Two people killed in Gaza City following an airstrike on a tent sheltering displaced families.

   

 Twelve people, including a local police official and his family, killed in an airstrike in central Gaza.

   

 At least four killed in a strike on a house in Sheikh Radwan, Gaza City.

   

 Four killed by a strike that hit a cart in Tal al-Hawa, northern Gaza.

 

 The overall death toll in Gaza since October 2023 has now tragically exceeded 58,700, with nearly 140,500 injured, according to figures from the Hamas-run Health Ministry. A substantial proportion of these casualties are women and children, and many victims are believed to be still trapped under rubble.

Stalled Ceasefire Negotiations and Hamas's Position:

 

 Hamas has publicly stated that Israel has rejected a comprehensive ceasefire agreement that would have facilitated the release of all captives held in Gaza.

 

 Abu Obeida, spokesperson for Hamas's military wing (the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades), delivered a prerecorded video statement on Thursday, July 18, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right government of lacking "no real interest in the captives because they are soldiers."

 

 Hamas indicated that it had proposed a "comprehensive deal" for the simultaneous release of all captives but that this proposal was rejected by Israel. Their preferred deal includes guarantees for an end to the conflict, a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid.

 

 Abu Obeida cautioned that if Israel were to withdraw from the current round of indirect talks, Hamas would not guarantee a return to "partial deals," referencing a 60-day agreement reportedly under discussion that would involve the release of 10 captives. Hamas claims to be holding approximately 50 individuals in Gaza, with around 20 believed to be alive.

 

 Hamas reiterated its preparedness for a "long battle of attrition" if a comprehensive agreement is not reached, pledging to continue ambushes against Israeli soldiers within Gaza. The group also criticized Arab and Islamic nations for what it perceives as their inaction.

Deepening Humanitarian Crisis and International Concerns:

 

 The protracted conflict has severely worsened the humanitarian crisis across Gaza. Medical facilities are overwhelmed, forcing healthcare professionals to prioritize only the most critical cases, leaving many with life-threatening and chronic conditions without necessary treatment.

 

 There are growing reports of civilians being killed while attempting to access humanitarian aid, particularly at crowded distribution points.

 

 United Nations agencies, including UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East), have issued urgent warnings about a potential halt to operations due to critically low fuel supplies, which would have devastating consequences for essential services.

 

 The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that between July 9 and 15, only 45% of planned aid movements coordinated with Israeli authorities across Gaza were successfully facilitated, with a significant number being denied or impeded.

 

 International bodies and humanitarian organizations continue to issue strong appeals for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and the robust protection of civilians, underscoring Israel's obligations under international humanitarian law.

The situation remains acutely volatile, characterized by intense fighting, a deepening humanitarian catastrophe, and stalled diplomatic efforts, contributing to immense suffering and profound uncertainty for the population of the Gaza Strip.

I'm Aisha shehu

Talksocialtalka News