Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Kills 27 Amid Escalating Conflict
An Israeli airstrike killed 27 in central Gaza, mainly women and children, as fighting with Hamas intensified. Israeli leaders are debating Gaza's future governance amid internal and international pressure.
Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip (May 19, AP) — An Israeli airstrike killed 27 people in central Gaza on Sunday, most of them women and children, as intense fighting with Hamas continued in the north. The conflict, now in its eighth month, has sparked internal debate among Israeli leaders over the future governance of Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure from War Cabinet members, including political rival Benny Gantz, who has threatened to leave the government if a plan for Gaza’s postwar administration is not established by June 8. Gantz supports an international administration to govern Gaza, which contrasts with Netanyahu's stance of maintaining Israeli security control and partnering with local Palestinians unaffiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority (PA).
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders to discuss a US plan for Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel and support the PA in governing Gaza in exchange for a pathway to Palestinian statehood. However, Netanyahu opposes Palestinian statehood and has rejected such proposals.
Gantz has expressed support for normalizing ties with Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries but insists that no external force should impose a Palestinian state on Israel. His potential withdrawal from the government would not collapse Netanyahu's coalition but would increase his reliance on far-right allies who advocate for extreme measures such as the "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians from Gaza and full military occupation.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict has intensified, particularly in northern Gaza, where Hamas militants have regrouped. Israeli airstrikes in Nuseirat, a densely populated refugee camp, resulted in 27 deaths, including 10 women and seven children. The bodies were taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Additional strikes in Nuseirat and Deir al-Balah killed several others, including a senior Hamas police officer.
In northern Gaza, heavy fighting and airstrikes have caused significant destruction and loss of life. The World Food Programme reports a famine in the region, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The Civil Defence reported strikes near Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, killing at least 10 people. Rescue efforts have been hampered by ongoing violence, with hundreds of bodies recovered and many homes destroyed.
Background and Current Situation
The current conflict began after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 people and abducting approximately 250. Since then, over 35,000 Palestinians have died, and 80% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been displaced, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
Netanyahu has faced domestic criticism for his handling of the war, with accusations of prolonging the conflict and rejecting ceasefire deals. Polls suggest that Gantz, a centrist, could potentially succeed Netanyahu if early elections were held, exposing Netanyahu to longstanding corruption charges.
The US has expressed growing frustration with Israel’s conduct and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Recently, the Biden administration delayed a shipment of 3,500 bombs and restricted offensive weapons for a full-scale invasion of Rafah due to humanitarian concerns. However, after Israel's limited operation in Rafah, the US announced it would proceed with a $1 billion arms sale to Israel.
As the conflict rages on, the international community continues to call for measures to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and find a sustainable solution for Gaza’s future governance.
