On Thursday, May 29, 2025, Israeli airstrikes killed 44 people across the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza's civil defence agency, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to claim lives, particularly among civilians.

A single Israeli strike on the Qreinawi family’s home near the Al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza was responsible for 23 of those deaths, as per civil defence official Mohammad al-Mughayyir. He further reported multiple injuries and said that several people are still missing beneath the rubble. The deadly strike targeted a residential building and led to widespread destruction, with video footage showing residents sifting through debris for survivors.

Rising Civilian Deaths and Expanded Offensive

The Israeli military later confirmed that it had launched dozens of strikes throughout Gaza, targeting what it described as terror infrastructure, including tunnels, sniper posts, observation positions, and military structures allegedly used by Hamas.

While the IDF did not directly confirm the strike on the Al-Bureij home, it said it was looking into reports regarding that incident and another one involving gunfire near an American aid distribution centre in southern Gaza. In the latter case, two Palestinians were killed and several others injured near the aid centre located along the Morag axis.

This centre is operated by a US-backed organisation as part of a recently implemented aid distribution programme. While Israel maintains that the system is designed to prevent humanitarian supplies from reaching Hamas, it has been met with sharp criticism from the United Nations and the European Union, who express concerns over its neutrality and accessibility.

Continuing War Since October 2023

The ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza traces its origins to the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, during which militants breached into southern Israel and killed 1,218 people, most of them civilians, according to data compiled by AFP from official Israeli sources. They also captured 251 hostages; 57 of them are still in Gaza, with the Israeli military declaring 34 of them as dead.

Since then, Israel has mounted a wide-scale campaign across the Palestinian territory, conducting air, sea and ground operations targeting Hamas infrastructure, fighters, and command centres. However, the human toll has disproportionately affected Gaza’s civilian population, raising international outcry and sparking renewed calls for a ceasefire.

Shocking Casualty Figures

The Gaza health ministry, which is run by Hamas, reported on Thursday that at least 3,986 people have died in Israeli attacks since the collapse of a two-month ceasefire on March 18, 2025. This brings the total death toll in Gaza to 54,249 since the war began in October 2023. The majority of those killed are believed to be civilians, including thousands of women and children.

These figures do not include those buried under the rubble, with officials warning that the actual death toll may be significantly higher due to ongoing strikes and the inaccessibility of certain regions to rescuers and medics.

Scenes from Al-Bureij

AFP journalists captured devastating footage from Al-Bureij, showing scenes of panic, despair and mourning. Residents were seen using bare hands and simple tools to search for survivors and retrieve bodies from the wreckage of the Qreinawi home. Children could be heard crying, and women wailing, as community members rallied to support the affected family.

This is just one of many devastated neighbourhoods in central Gaza that has been targeted in recent weeks, as Israeli forces intensify operations aimed at rooting out Hamas fighters allegedly embedded in residential zones.

Aid Distribution Under Fire

The situation around aid delivery remains volatile. The US-supported aid centre attacked on Thursday was part of an experimental method to bypass Hamas and ensure direct delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians. However, incidents like the one reported near Morag on Thursday further complicate efforts to provide urgent food, medical supplies and clean water to the population.

The UN and EU have been particularly vocal in opposing the militarisation of aid corridors, citing violations of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.

Ceasefire Efforts Stalled

Efforts to broker a ceasefire continue, led by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, but progress has stalled amid deep mistrust, ongoing violence, and disagreements over hostage exchanges and the future of Gaza.

Israel insists on dismantling Hamas’ military and political power in the territory, while Hamas demands a full ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli troops, and unhindered humanitarian access before releasing any remaining hostages.

Meanwhile, pressure continues to build on international forums, with human rights organisations, medical NGOs, and aid workers urging immediate action to protect civilians, restore essential services, and de-escalate the conflict.

Humanitarian Catastrophe Deepens

The current phase of the war has plunged Gaza deeper into humanitarian catastrophe. More than 1.5 million Palestinians are now displaced, with many living in makeshift shelters, schools, or open fields. Access to medical care, food, electricity, and clean water remains critically limited.

Hospitals are overwhelmed or no longer functional, and international aid organisations have warned that the situation is nearing famine-like conditions in parts of northern and central Gaza.

The World Health Organization, Red Crescent, and Médecins Sans Frontières have all raised alarms about an imminent health disaster, particularly as summer temperatures rise and the risk of waterborne diseases spreads.

Conclusion

The killing of 44 Palestinians, including 23 in one family home, in a single day underscores the brutal toll of the Israel-Gaza war. As efforts to negotiate a ceasefire falter and civilian casualties rise, the world watches a deepening tragedy unfold with no immediate end in sight. With more than 54,000 deaths recorded, mostly civilians, the need for a meaningful ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a lasting peace agreement has never been more urgent.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Ganga Bath Fittings, Victory Electric Vehicles International, Wagons Learning.

The Current active IPO are 3B Films, N R Vandana Tex Industries, Scoda Tubes, Neptune Petrochemicals.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.