By BlogHear News Desk – May 16, 2025
The United States has voiced concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, even as Israeli military operations continue to escalate. Speaking after a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Turkey, US top diplomat Marco Rubio said Washington was “troubled” by the growing toll on civilians.
At least 114 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Thursday, according to local health officials, marking one of the deadliest days since the offensive resumed.
Rubio: Humanitarian Suffering Recognized, but Hamas Must Surrender
When asked by the BBC about the scale of Israel’s attacks, including strikes on hospitals, Rubio reaffirmed US support for Israel’s campaign against Hamas. However, he also acknowledged the suffering of Gaza’s civilians.
“We’re not immune or in any way insensitive to the suffering of the people of Gaza,” Rubio said, adding that there are “opportunities to provide aid.”
His comments followed reports of a proposed US-Israeli plan to distribute aid through private channels in Gaza, bypassing traditional international mechanisms. The United Nations has rejected the proposal, calling it unethical and unworkable.
The remarks come as former President Donald Trump visits the region amid stalled indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel over a potential ceasefire and hostage deal. Meanwhile, Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deliberately derailing mediation efforts through military escalation.
Heavy Civilian Toll Across Gaza
In southern Gaza, the city of Khan Younis was hit by the deadliest strikes in nearly two months. Nasser Hospital reported at least 56 people, including women and children, were killed as homes and shelters were targeted overnight.
Doctors at the hospital said they were overwhelmed, treating burn victims, amputees, and patients with internal bleeding on the floor due to lack of beds.
Among the victims were 36 children, local officials said. “Entire families have been wiped from the civil registry,” one official reported.
Stories of loss and survival poured in from residents:
- Safaa al-Bayouk, a mother of six, lost her two youngest sons, aged six weeks and one year, in the bombing.
- Reem al-Zanaty, 13, recounted escaping the rubble of her home with help from her father after their house collapsed in a strike.
A local journalist, Hassan Samour, who worked for Hamas-run al-Aqsa Radio, was also killed along with 11 family members in eastern Khan Younis.
Strikes Continue in North and Central Gaza
In northern Gaza, the Civil Defence agency said Israeli strikes in Beit Lahia, Jabalia, and Deir al-Balah killed dozens. A strike on the al-Tawbah health clinic reportedly killed 15 people, including 11 children.
Residents described scenes of devastation. “An indescribable crime,” said Yehya Abu Jalhoum, who lost family members in the clinic bombing. “They were civilians, safe in a medical facility.”
Warnings, Aid Plans, and International Reactions
Israeli forces have issued evacuation orders across parts of Gaza City, warning of imminent attacks on what they describe as “terrorist strongholds” in hospitals, universities, and schools. The military claims to have struck 130 targets over the past 48 hours.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed group, said it would begin aid operations in Gaza within two weeks. However, the UN reiterated it would not participate in the initiative, citing concerns about impartiality and neutrality.
Gaza has been under a full Israeli blockade since March 2, with no aid allowed in for 10 weeks. The UN-backed IPC warned that over 500,000 people face starvation. Israel insists it is complying with international law.
The war began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages. Israel resumed its offensive in March after a two-month ceasefire, aiming to pressure Hamas to release the remaining 58 hostages, 23 of whom are believed to still be alive.
More than 53,010 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began, including 2,876 since March, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
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