1. Introduction / Background
The current situation in Gaza remains dire amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas since October 7, 2023. Over 52,800 Palestinians have been killed, mostly civilians including women and children, with more than 119,000 injured. The Israeli military continues intensive operations aiming to destroy Hamas and free hostages, with reports of forced displacement of nearly all Gaza's 2.3 million residents and widespread destruction of infrastructure, hospitals, and homes.
The Palestinian health ministry said on Saturday that Israeli forces have killed at least 27 people and injured more than 100 people in the past 24 hours.
2. Key Highlights – Israel Hamas war updates
- Killed 52,810
- Injured 119,473
- Home Destroyed
3. Governments’ Response
4. Military Developments
Recent developments include Israeli forces setting up aid distribution centers in southern Gaza's Rafah area, with strict security measures and limited access for Gazans. The blockade and military actions have caused acute shortages and risk of famine, with the UN describing the situation as "apocalyptic" and warning that the population faces imminent risk from disease, starvation, and violence.
The Israeli military’s former chief of staff has accused his successor of “sending soldiers to commit war crimes” in Gaza and torn into Israel’s government for “losing touch with Jewish morality”.
Israeli forces carried out a raid in the Al-Marj area of Qalqilya in the northern occupied West Bank, arresting several Palestinians, local sources told Al Jazeera Arabic.
5. Militants’ Activity
Despite heavy losses to Hamas leadership from Israeli strikes, Hamas remains operational and continues to govern Gaza. Negotiations for ceasefires and hostage releases have stalled, with intermittent escalations in fighting.
The Israeli army confirmed that a landmine attack in Gaza City injured nine Israeli soldiers, including two senior officers.
6. Impact On the Trade and Travel
7. International Response
A humanitarian crisis is unfolding due to a blockade by Israel that restricts food, fuel, and medical supplies, severely impacting vulnerable groups like cancer and diabetes patients. Aid delivery is complicated by Israel's new plan to control distribution through private firms and "sterile zones" free of Hamas, which has drawn criticism from the UN and humanitarian organizations for potentially weaponizing aid.
The new German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, traveled to Israel on May 10, 2025, for a Middle East trip involving "critical discussions" with Israeli leaders, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Wadephul condemned the Hamas attacks from October 7, 2023, as "unacceptable" and called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. He also plans to visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and meet families of hostages.
Wadephul emphasized the importance of discussing the strategic objectives of the renewed conflict, which has intensified since March 2025, and highlighted the unbearable humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for serious talks toward a ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches the population. This visit aligns with Germany's broader stance of firm support for Israel while urging adherence to international law and humanitarian obligations amid the ongoing conflict.
The Jordan hospital treating war casualties from across the Middle East is the Reconstructive Surgery Program (RSP) hospital in Amman, established in 2006 by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). It was initially set up to treat victims of sectarian violence in Iraq following the US-led invasion. Over time, it expanded to serve patients from Syria, Yemen, Palestine, and Libya due to ongoing regional conflicts and the lack of adequate healthcare in war-torn countries.
A UN spokesperson has sounded the alarm and warned that Israel's plan to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza's population "does not meet the minimum bar for principled humanitarian support."
James Elder, spokesperson for Unicef, said on 10.05.2025 that the draft plan “appears likely to exacerbate the ongoing suffering of children and families in the Gaza Strip”.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has dismissed as “nonsense” a Jerusalem Post report claiming President Donald Trump will recognise a Palestinian state during his upcoming visit to the region.
Huckabee has also played down speculation that President Donald Trump is snubbing Israel by excluding it from his upcoming Middle East tour.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met his Saudi Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah counterpart in Jeddah on 10.05.2025, where the two discussed regional issues and growing concerns over Israel’s war on Gaza.
According to a statement from Iran’s foreign ministry, the pair addressed bilateral relations and developments in the besieged Palestinian territory, where Israeli bombardment has continued for months.
8. Comment.
Gaza is experiencing ongoing intense conflict, severe humanitarian deprivation, and political stalemate, with international concern growing over the escalating crisis and civilian suffering.
The German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has expressed concern about Israel's plans to control humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza and stresses the need for aid to reach civilians. Germany continues to advocate for a negotiated two-state solution as the only sustainable path to peace in the region.
9. latest news in two lines
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