Israeli Strikes Leave 54 Dead in Khan Younis

15 May at 9:34 am

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Israeli Strikes Leave 54 Dead in Khan Younis/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ At least 54 people were killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes on Khan Younis, Gaza’s southern city, according to hospital officials. The strikes mark a second consecutive night of intense bombing, pushing Gaza’s total death toll past 53,000. The violence continues as U.S. President Donald Trump tours the Middle East, raising hopes—but not yet results—for a ceasefire.

Palestinians inspect the rubble of the Al-Lahham family’s home, destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, on Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Gaza Conflict: Quick Looks

54 killed in Khan Younis overnight airstrikes, hospital confirms
Journalist and 11 family members among the dead
Additional 13 killed in Jabaliya strike on mosque and clinic
Gaza’s European Hospital now out of service after Israeli attacks
82 total Palestinian deaths reported in 24-hour span
Trump continues Middle East visit, skips Israel amid war
Israel vows to escalate offensive, targeting Hamas command hubs
Human Rights Watch warns of humanitarian crisis, potential genocide
Nearly half a million Gazans face starvation under Israeli blockade
Hamas still holds 58 hostages, 23 believed alive

Deep Look: Gaza Strikes Intensify, 54 Killed in Khan Younis

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip — May 15, 2025
Overnight Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis left at least 54 Palestinians dead, in what marks the second straight night of intensified bombardments across the besieged enclave. Health officials at Nasser Hospital confirmed the deaths, including a journalist and multiple children.

One of the most devastating strikes hit the family home of Al Araby TV journalist Hasan Samour, killing him and 11 family members. In a separate strike in Jabaliya, northern Gaza, 13 more people were killed after a mosque and nearby clinic were hit.

Grief and Devastation at Nasser Hospital

Inside Nasser Hospital, Safaa Al-Najjar wept as the bodies of her two youngest sons—Motaz (18 months) and Moaz (6 weeks)—were brought to her. Her husband remains in intensive care, and their five other children were all injured.

“I gave them dinner and put them to sleep… then everything exploded,” Al-Najjar sobbed. “What is their fault?”

Outside the hospital, rows of white body bags were loaded onto trucks for burial, as crowds gathered for mass funeral prayers.

Escalating Conflict and Political Pressure

The Israeli military did not comment on the latest airstrikes, which follow Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge earlier this week to escalate the military campaign until Hamas is eliminated.

“It means destroying Hamas,” Netanyahu said. “Our forces will soon enter Gaza with great strength.”

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch issued a harsh warning, calling Israel’s military and humanitarian blockade of Gaza “systematic destruction” that inches closer to extermination. The group urged countries bound by the Genocide Convention to act.

Toll and Fallout

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 82 bodies were recovered in the last 24 hours, raising the war’s total Palestinian death toll to 53,010, with nearly 120,000 injured. Over 3,000 have died since Israel broke a ceasefire on March 18.

Hamas continues to hold 58 hostages, 23 of whom are believed to be alive.

European Hospital Bombed, Forced to Close

Gaza’s only cancer treatment center — the European Hospital in Khan Younis — was struck twice this week. Israeli authorities claim the target was a Hamas command post beneath the facility. The hospital has now been shut down due to severe infrastructure damage, according to Health Ministry director Dr. Imad al-Hout.

“All 200 patients were evacuated,” al-Hout said. “We are now coordinating emergency repairs.”

Blockade Continues Amid Famine Fears

The Israeli blockade, now in its third month, has cut off all aid, food, and medical supplies to Gaza. Humanitarian agencies warn that famine is imminent, with:

Nearly 500,000 Palestinians at risk of starvation
1 million more unable to meet basic food needs

International food experts say lifting the blockade is the only way to prevent catastrophe.

Ceasefire Hopes Dim as Trump Tours Region

As U.S. President Donald Trump continues his tour of the Middle East, including Qatar and the UAE, hopes of a brokered ceasefire remain slim. Trump has not visited Israel during the trip, and his administration’s negotiations with Hamas and regional powers have yet to yield results.