Al Mayadeen – July 19, 2025
650 days of Israeli war:
125,000 tons of bombs; 2,613 families effaced
From mass graves to starvation deaths, Gaza’s civilian population endures relentless suffering as "Israel’s" genocide decimate health systems, shelters, and entire communities.
More than 88% of the Gaza Strip has been destroyed and nearly 2 million Palestinians have been forcibly displaced since October 7, 2023, a devastating report released Friday by the Government Media Office in Gaza showed.
Marking the 650th day of "Israel’s" aggression on the strip, the report estimates that approximately 125,000 tons of explosives have been dropped on the besieged enclave, causing over $62 billion in physical and infrastructural damage.
The report describes the ongoing offensive as a “genocidal” war, highlighting what it calls the “forced evacuation of 2 million civilians” and the occupation of 77% of Gaza’s land, which spans 360 square kilometers.
According to the Media Office, 67,880 Palestinians have either been killed or remain missing. This figure includes over 19,000 children and 12,500 women, among them 8,150 mothers and 953 infants.
The official death toll provided by the Gaza Health Ministry stands at 58,667, a number that only reflects bodies brought to hospitals. The discrepancy arises from thousands still buried beneath rubble or unaccounted for, the Media Office explained.
An estimated 9,500 people remain trapped under collapsed buildings, with their fates still unknown.
Among those confirmed killed in the ongoing aggression are 1,590 medical personnel, 228 journalists, and 777 humanitarian aid workers, according to the Gaza Media Office. In a particularly grim revelation, the report also stated that 2,613 Palestinian families have been completely erased from civil records, indicating that no surviving members remain.
Catastrophic circumstances
The humanitarian toll has been catastrophic. At least 68 children have died from malnutrition, and another 17 have succumbed to cold exposure in overcrowded and under-resourced displacement camps. The total number of injured has reached 139,000, including more than 4,700 people who have undergone amputations. The psychological impact is no less severe, with 44,500 children having lost at least one parent.
Compounding the humanitarian crisis, the report notes that over 2 million forcibly displaced people are now suffering from various infectious diseases, with 71,000 cases of hepatitis documented. The Media Office also accused Israeli forces of violating the sanctity of the dead, accusing them of stealing 2,420 bodies from cemeteries and establishing seven mass graves inside hospitals, an act it described as deeply disturbing and inhumane.
Detentions, abductions
In terms of detentions, the report stated that 6,633 Palestinians have been abducted since the beginning of the war, including 362 health workers, 48 journalists, and 26 members of civil defense teams. These waves of mass arrests, coupled with the destruction of essential facilities, have further paralyzed Gaza's already collapsing civil infrastructure.
Mass destruction
The scale of infrastructural devastation is staggering. Israeli strikes have destroyed 38 hospitals and 96 primary care centers, targeted 144 ambulances, and obliterated 156 schools, with another 382 schools suffering partial damage. Places of worship have also been attacked: 833 mosques, 3 churches, and 40 cemeteries have been damaged or destroyed.
The war has left 288,000 Palestinian families homeless, following the complete destruction of 223,000 housing units and damage to an additional 130,000 homes. Even displacement shelters have not been spared, with 261 shelter centers coming under direct fire. The Media Office paints a picture of widespread, deliberate devastation aimed at crippling every aspect of civilian life in the besieged enclave.
Systematic starvation, agricultural collapse
Describing "Israel’s" approach as a ﾓsystematic starvation campaignï¾”, the report states that 877 Palestinians have been killed and 5,666 wounded while attempting to collect food or aid.
For over 139 consecutive days, "Israel" has obstructed the entry of tens of thousands of aid trucks, exacerbating famine conditions.
The agricultural sector has suffered $2.2 billion in losses, with 92% of Gaza’s arable land destroyed. Vital infrastructure, such as electricity, water, sanitation systems, and even archaeological heritage, has been severely damaged.
Despite mounting global condemnation, "Israel’s" assault on Gaza continues. In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant over war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Separately, "Israel" is also the subject of a genocide case currently under review by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The Gaza Media Office concludes its report by describing the Strip as “a landscape of destruction, hunger, and disease," with no end in sight.
Israel kills dozens of Palestinians in air raids on Gaza aid distribution points
Dozens of Palestinians have been killed as the Israeli forces struck aid distribution points in the southern Gaza Strip, amid a worsening hunger crisis across the besieged territory.
Al Jazeera reported that 41 Palestinians were killed in Israeli raids on the Gaza Strip on Saturday, including 29 aid seekers.
According to reports, 10 Palestinians were killed and 70 wounded in an Israeli strike at an aid distribution point on Al-Tina Street, south of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
On Wednesday, at least 20 Palestinian aid seekers were killed during a stampede at one of the aid distribution centers in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, run by the controversial US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
The United Nations reported that since late May, some 900 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid at sites that are mostly run by GHF.
According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, unprecedented numbers of starving people of all ages are arriving at emergency departments in a state of “severe exhaustion and fatigue.” The ministry warned that “hundreds whose bodies have wasted away will face certain death due to hunger and their bodies’ endurance capacity being exceeded.”
Al-Jazeera’s Gaza correspondent Anas Al-Sharif reported the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Strip, where Israel’s deliberate blockade and forced starvation policies have left civilians unable to donate blood amid ongoing daily attacks.
“For the first time in history, Gaza is importing 100% of its blood units, as the severe hunger and dehydration have left the entire population too unwell to donate,” he wrote on his X account on Saturday.
The controversial GHF has effectively sidelined Gaza’s vast UN-led aid delivery network since it started operations in May, after Israel’s more than two-month total blockade of the strip.
Israeli soldiers and US contractors working with GHF have admitted to shooting unarmed Palestinians gathering for food, according to separate recent reports by Israeli outlet Haaretz and The Associated Press news agency.
Despite the Israeli regime’s claims that an alternative distribution pathway is needed as the Palestinian resistance group Hamas allegedly “steals” aid, the UN officials have said the looting of Gaza aid has nothing to do with Hamas.
The UN has categorically stated that looting is instead being performed by the so-called Popular Forces, a Daesh-linked anti-Hamas militia armed and supported by Israel.
The UN and other humanitarian groups have criticized the GHF for politicizing aid distribution, saying it is giving cover for Israel to pursue its aims to depopulate the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 58,667 people and wounded 139,974, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, since the onset of the genocidal war on October 7, 2023.
Gaza Resistance releases footage of operations in Jabalia, Shujaiyya
The al-Qassam Brigades intensifies the "David’s Stones" campaign with strikes on Israeli vehicles in Jabalia and Khan Younis.
The al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' armed wing, shared footage on Saturday of their attacks on Israeli occupation forces and military vehicles in Jabalia, located in northern Gaza, explaining that this operation falls under their ongoing "David’s Stones" campaign.
In a separate statement, the al-Qassam Brigades reported that its fighters, upon returning from combat, confirmed the targeting of an Israeli military D9 bulldozer with a high-explosive landmine near the Erbakan school in Jabalia on July 14, 2025.
On July 16, the al-Qassam fighters targeted an Israeli Merkava tank with a high-explosive landmine near the Namaa Club in Jabalia, and in the same area, they struck another tank using an al-Yassin 105 shell.
On its part, the al-Quds Brigades released footage showing the destruction of an Israeli military vehicle using a high-explosive bomb in the eastern al-Shujaiyya neighborhood in Gaza City.
In Khan Younis, fighters from the al-Quds Brigades successfully targeted an Israeli military bulldozer with a side-placed explosive in the Abu Hadaf area, northeast of the city.
Also in Khan Younis, fighters from the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades confirmed upon returning from the frontlines that they had destroyed an Israeli military vehicle by detonating a pre-planted explosive near Street 5 in the northern part of the city on July 12, 2025.
Abu Obeida sends a stern warning to 'Israel'
In this context, the al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Obeida stated in a video address on Friday that the Palestinian Resistance's current strategy focuses on inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy while actively pursuing the capture of Israeli soldiers.
Abu Obeida noted that al-Qassam’s fighters "are surprising the enemy with new tactics and methods, having learned lessons from the longest war and confrontation in the history of the Palestinian people,"
He cautioned the Israeli government that persisting with the conflict would mean resigning itself to a continued stream of fallen soldiers and officers returning in coffins.
Iran ready for war if imposed, says FM Araghchi
Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi calls for genuine nuclear talks and warns of the environmental risks of targeting peaceful facilities.
The recent assault against the Islamic Republic was not a simple war but a deliberate and unprovoked act of aggression by the Israeli entity, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed on Saturday.
In an interview for China’s CGTN channel, Araghchi underscored that Iran was compelled to exercise its legitimate right to self-defense. He stated that Iranian forces successfully repelled the attackers, who later pushed for an unconditional ceasefire.
“War has never been our choice,” he said. “But if it is imposed on us, we are completely ready.”
The foreign minister cautioned against placing trust in any ceasefire agreements involving the Israeli entity, citing its “extremely poor track record.” Araghchi stressed that Iranian forces remain on high alert in the event of any violations.
“We remain alert and fully prepared in the event of a ceasefire violation,” he added, reiterating Iran’s defensive posture.
Nuclear talks hinge on political will
Addressing the issue of nuclear negotiations, Araghchi said Tehran is awaiting a genuine political commitment from the other parties involved. He emphasized that Iran seeks a balanced, win-win resolution.
The foreign minister reaffirmed Iran’s consistent position that its nuclear program is strictly peaceful. Referring to the 2015 nuclear agreement with the P5+1 group, he highlighted that the deal ensured transparency and restricted the program to non-military objectives. Iran, he said, continues to honor the agreement.
He attributed the current tensions to the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from the deal, calling it the source of the ongoing crisis.
Only diplomacy can prevent further escalation
Commenting on recent attacks targeting Iranian facilities, Araghchi argued that military solutions have failed to deliver results. He stressed that only a diplomatic path could lead to a lasting resolution.
“A diplomatic path is only possible if the other side abandons its military agenda and compensates for the damage done,” he stated. He also warned of dire environmental consequences following any attack on peaceful nuclear facilities, calling such actions severe and unforgivable.
Turning to regional alliances, Araghchi expressed gratitude for the support extended by member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, particularly China. He praised Beijing’s firm stance in backing Iran, stating that Tehran expects comprehensive political support at the upcoming SCO summit.
Iran's Araghchi meets China's Xi Jinping ahead of SCO summit
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping last Tuesday for a brief bilateral meeting ahead of his participation in the 25th Ministerial Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Upon his arrival in the Chinese city of Tianjin, Araghchi stated that the visit aims to attend the SCO foreign ministers' summit hosted by China, emphasizing that the organization is gradually expanding its scope beyond the regional arena toward a broader global role.
The summit’s agenda includes multifaceted discussions on economic, political, and security issues. According to the top Iranian diplomat, the SCO will continue developing strategies in key sectors such as energy, trade, and economic cooperation, alongside scheduled international discussions.
Key bilateral meetings on the sidelines
Araghchi underscored that the summit presents a vital opportunity for high-level bilateral meetings. Notably, his meeting with the Chinese foreign minister is considered especially significant amid current global developments.
He is also set to hold discussions with the Russian foreign minister and representatives from other SCO member states, focusing on bilateral relations and regional developments.
He further commended the SCO for issuing a firm statement against the assault on Iran, in which the organization stressed the offensive as a violation of Iranian sovereignty and a threat to regional and international security.
https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/iran-ready-for-war-if-imposed--says-fm-araghchi
Hamas calls for global mobilization to stop Gaza ‘genocide and starvation’
The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has called for a global mobilization to save the Palestinians in Gaza from death by bombing, starvation, and thirst at the hands of the Israeli regime.
In a statement released on Saturday, Hamas urged the Ummah (Islamic community) and freedom advocates worldwide for a global mobilization to save the Palestinians.
The statement called for a global mobilization against the Israeli regime “through massive public demonstrations, solidarity events, raising voices loudly,” to oppose the war of genocide and starvation “until this brutal aggression ends and the unjust siege is lifted.”
The statement also referred to the regime’s flagrant violations of all human norms, divine laws, and moral values through a brutal aggression unprecedented in history, amidst international silence and failure to stop this war of extermination and starvation.
“Let tomorrow, Sunday, July 20, and the coming days be historic global days of action and international solidarity,” it said, urging freedom-lovers to “condemn the Zionist crimes of genocide and starvation against innocent civilians in Gaza, children, women, and the sick.”
The statement called on Arab, Islamic, and international communities to unite in solidarity with Gaza, condemning the genocide, starvation, and brutal aggression against over two million Palestinians.
It also urged collective action to stop these atrocities and put an end to the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his “fascist gang’s contempt for international humanitarian law, covenants, and human norms.”
Dozens of Palestinian children have died from hunger in Gaza since October 2023. The healthcare system in Gaza is also on the brink of collapse due to Israel’s targeting of hospitals and health centers.
As complications from severe malnutrition increase, children requiring hospitalization face a deteriorating health system.
Aid agencies say the ongoing closure of border crossings by Israel has obstructed the entry of fuel, medicines, and medical equipment.
These warnings come amidst continued Israeli military aggression targeting starving Palestinians.
In Gaza, the UN human rights office has documented the killing of nearly 900 Palestinians seeking aid from Israeli forces, with most deaths occurring at aid points managed by the controversial Israel-US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Almost the entire population of more than 2 million people in Gaza has been forcibly displaced at least once during the war, which has created dire humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territory.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 58,667 Palestinians, mostly women and children, since the onset of the genocidal war on October 7, 2023, according to the health ministry of Gaza.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the besieged coastal territory.
Palestinian Information Center – July 19, 2025
Gaza: Famine claims hundreds of lives, including 69 children
GAZA, (PIC)
At least 69 children have died from malnutrition in the Gaza Strip, while the total number of patients who have died due to shortages of food and medicine has reached 620, according to Gaza’s Government Media Office (GMO).
This comes amid a complete Israeli blockade on Gaza, while the international community is unable to take action against Israel and save the population.
In a brief report on Friday, GMO published the following statistics highlighting the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza:
139 days since Israel closed all border crossings.
76,450 trucks carrying humanitarian aid and fuel have been denied entry.
42 community kitchens have been bombed by the Israeli army.
57 aid and food distribution centers were bombed by the Israeli army.
121 humanitarian convoys were bombed by the Israeli army.
877 people were killed at US- and Israeli-designated aid distribution zones, which are widely known as “death traps.” More than 5,666 aid seekers also suffered injuries and 42 others were reported missing in those zones.
650,000 children are now at risk of death due to hunger and malnutrition.
12,500 cancer patients are facing death from lack of medicine and treatment.
60,000 pregnant women are in critical danger due to insufficient medical care and nutrition.
GMO has condemned what it described as a “continuous crime,” holding the Israeli occupation regime fully responsible, alongside the US, Germany, France and other European states.
GMO has called on the international community to take immediate action to end Israel’s starvation campaign in Gaza, save human lives, and ensure the urgent reopening of Gaza’s crossings to allow the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid.
