Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill Dozens as Global Push for Palestinian Statehood Gains Momentum
Gaza City — More than 40 people, including women and children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City and the Bureij refugee camp, according to local health officials on Sunday. The escalation comes as several Western nations, including the U.K., Canada, and Australia, announced their recognition of a Palestinian state, intensifying global debate over the conflict’s future.
Civilian Casualties Reported
Medical staff at Gaza’s Shifa Hospital confirmed that 14 people were killed late Saturday when a residential block in southern Gaza City was hit. Among the victims were a hospital nurse, his wife, and their three children.
In a separate strike near a clinic in the Bureij camp, at least eight people died — including four children and two women — and over 20 others were injured, according to Al-Awda Hospital.
Israel has not commented on the latest strikes.
Rising Tensions and Protests
The renewed military campaign, which began this week, has further escalated tensions across the Middle East. Israel has stated that the offensive is aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages, though no timeline has been given for the operation.
Meanwhile, protests inside Israel are growing. Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered Saturday night calling for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a renewed push toward peace. Over 60 organizations, including the It’s Time Coalition, released a statement urging both sides to embrace diplomacy and support recognition of a Palestinian state.
International Recognition of Palestinian Statehood
In a coordinated move, Australia, Canada, and the U.K. formally recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the decision as a step to “revive the hope of peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.” Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the announcement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply rejected the move, declaring, “A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.” He argued that the recognition rewards Hamas and vowed to present Israel’s official response during his upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Macron Criticizes Israel’s Strategy
French President Emmanuel Macron added to the pressure, calling Israel’s military approach a “failure.” In an interview, he said that while Israel has eliminated Hamas leaders, it has not dismantled the group. Macron warned that high civilian casualties and prolonged conflict undermine Israel’s credibility and fuel instability in the region.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Humanitarian groups report worsening conditions in Gaza, where vast areas have been destroyed and most of the population displaced. Israel has urged civilians to move south to designated “humanitarian zones,” though aid agencies warn mass relocations will intensify the crisis.
Pope Leo XIV also condemned what he described as the “forced exile” of Palestinians, calling for peace and long-term stability during his Sunday blessing at the Vatican.
Talks With Syria Signal Regional Shifts
Adding to the complexity, Netanyahu confirmed that Israel is engaged in dialogue with Syria following recent clashes with Hezbollah. While some progress has been reported, Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa emphasized that talks remain ongoing and hopes Israel will honor previous disengagement agreements.
Outlook
As the conflict continues, the dual developments of rising civilian casualties and growing international recognition of Palestinian statehood highlight a pivotal moment. With the United Nations General Assembly set to meet this week, global attention will remain fixed on whether the path forward is escalation or diplomacy.
