The ongoing violence in Gaza continues to escalate, with the Palestinian Health Ministry reporting a staggering death toll of 57,680 since the commencement of Israel’s offensive in October 2023. The humanitarian crisis shows no signs of abating as the latest figures reveal that 105 additional bodies were recovered in the past 24 hours, pushing the total number of injuries to 137,409.
“Many victims are still trapped under the rubble and on the roads as rescuers are unable to reach them,” stated the Health Ministry in a somber announcement.
The violence resumed in mid-March, following a temporary ceasefire. Since then, 7,118 Palestinians have been killed, and 25,368 injured in the resumed Israeli strikes, shattering a January agreement that had brought temporary relief to the embattled region.
War Crimes and International Pressure on Israel
As the carnage continues, Israel faces growing international scrutiny. The International Criminal Court (ICC) had previously issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the violence in Gaza. The UN’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) has also opened a genocide case against Israel for its actions in the enclave.
Hamas to Free 10 Captives Amid Aid Negotiations
In a significant move, Hamas has agreed to release 10 captives in exchange for the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu confirmed the group’s willingness to act in the hope of securing “the unhindered flow of desperately needed aid” into Gaza. Al-Nunu emphasized that the group aims to stop Israel’s “genocide” and allow aid to reach the people of Gaza without obstruction.
“The necessary flexibility has been offered to protect our people and stop the crime of genocide,” said Al-Nunu, as negotiations for a ceasefire intensify. “We want to ensure the free and dignified entry of aid to our people until we reach a complete end to the war.”
Negotiations remain ongoing, with discussions focusing on the entry of aid and the displacement of Palestinians. There is particular focus on how to design Israeli troop withdrawal lines in a manner that does not exacerbate the situation for Palestinians on the ground.
Spain Calls for Stronger European Action
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has strongly criticized Europe’s response to Israel’s actions, accusing the Israeli government of genocide against the Palestinian people. “No one that tramples on the EU’s founding principles – or that uses hunger and war to annihilate a legitimate state – can be a partner of the European Union,” he declared before the Spanish parliament.
Sanchez pointed out that Spain and Ireland had pushed for an EU review of Israel’s compliance with the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which was only presented to foreign ministers in June 2025. The review concluded that Israel had violated human rights provisions under Article 2 of the agreement.
“We had to push hard for that analysis to be carried out,” Sanchez remarked, reiterating the need for stronger European action against Israel. Spain is now calling for the immediate suspension of the EU-Israel agreement, a move that has yet to be endorsed by other EU members.
European Push for Palestine Recognition
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged European nations that have not yet recognised Palestine as an independent state to follow France’s lead. French President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated his support for Palestinian statehood, advocating for a renewed political process leading to a two-state solution.
The Palestinian Ministry’s statement highlighted Macron’s address to the UK parliament, urging the UK to support Palestine’s recognition. The Ministry emphasized the urgency of an immediate ceasefire and the need to allow aid into Gaza to mitigate the humanitarian suffering.
“France’s recognition of Palestine should serve as a beacon for European nations,” said the Palestinian Ministry, pushing for further international support for an independent Palestinian state.
Conclusion
As the death toll in Gaza rises and the international community grapples with how best to respond, the situation remains dire. The war, described by many as a genocide, continues to ravage the Palestinian population, with limited aid and a fragile truce in place. The international community’s role in ending the violence is more critical than ever, as nations push for stronger action against Israel and greater recognition of Palestinian statehood.
