Gaza Welcomes 2025 with Deadly Israeli Airstrikes
As 2025 began, Gaza experienced tragic Israeli airstrikes, resulting in at least 19 deaths, including 15 in Jabalia. The ongoing conflict with Hamas exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, with thousands displaced and urgent medical evacuations needed. International aid efforts face challenges as violence and tensions escalate, leaving Gaza in turmoil.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
As the world celebrated the arrival of 2025, Gaza faced a grim start to the new year with deadly Israeli airstrikes claiming at least 19 lives. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, now in its 15th month, shows no signs of abating as the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory continues to worsen.
Deadly New Year's Eve Attacks
In the early hours of January 1, 2025, Israeli forces launched a series of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, resulting in multiple casualties[1][3]. The most devastating attack occurred in Jabalia, northern Gaza, where a single strike on a residential building killed 15 people and injured over 20 others[1]. The victims, belonging to three displaced families - the Badras, Abu Wardas, and Taroushes - were caught off guard as they welcomed the new year[3].
A local rescue worker described the horrific scene: "The house was completely destroyed by two missiles fired from a fighter jet. Several people are still under the rubble"[8]. Jibril Abu Warda, a 35-year-old relative of some of the victims, lamented, "It's a massacre, children and women are in pieces. No one knows why the house was targeted; there were only civilians"[8].
Widespread Destruction and Humanitarian Crisis
The airstrikes were not limited to Jabalia. Four more Palestinians lost their lives in a separate Israeli attack on Khan Younis in southern Gaza[1]. The Israeli military has not yet commented on these specific strikes[3].
The ongoing conflict has devastated Gaza's infrastructure and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Many are now living in makeshift tents, exposed to harsh weather conditions[8]. The Civil Defense reported that over 1,500 tents housing displaced individuals have been flooded due to recent storms[8].
International Concern and Medical Evacuations
As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, international organizations are struggling to provide aid. The World Health Organization reports that over 12,000 patients still require medical evacuation from Gaza[8]. In a small relief effort, 55 patients, mostly children, were evacuated to the United Arab Emirates for medical treatment[8].
Escalating Tensions
The conflict shows no signs of resolution. Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has threatened to intensify strikes on Gaza if Hamas continues to launch rockets towards Israel[1]. Meanwhile, the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry reporting at least 45,553 casualties since the conflict began in October 2023[8].
As 2025 begins, the people of Gaza face another year of uncertainty, violence, and humanitarian crisis, while the international community grapples with finding a path to peace in the region.
