May 15, observed every year as Nakba Day by Palestinians, marks the catastrophic displacement of over 7.5 lakh Palestinians following the establishment of the Israeli state in 1948. That historic wound was reopened once again this year as Israel launched a brutal wave of airstrikes and drone attacks across Gaza, killing at least 143 Palestinian civilians on Thursday night.
The deadly attacks came exactly 77 years after May 15, 1948, the day following Israel’s official state declaration. On that day, the ethnic cleansing of Palestinian Arabs began — and many argue that history repeated itself in 2025 under the leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
📍 Mass Casualties in Gaza
According to Hamas, the Palestinian resistance group, the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis witnessed the worst of the bombardment, with at least 61 civilians killed.
In the northern town of Jabalia, Israeli missiles targeted the At-Tawbah Hospital, killing at least 15 more civilians.
The southernmost city of Rafah, bordering Egypt, was also struck by missiles and drone fire.
Eyewitnesses and humanitarian organizations reported scenes of utter devastation — buildings reduced to rubble, families buried under debris, and hospitals overwhelmed with casualties.
🌍 A Global Flashpoint Again
This renewed escalation has drawn international attention, especially as it occurred during a Middle East visit by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The timing and scale of the attack have raised eyebrows across global diplomatic circles, although no strong condemnation has been issued yet by Western governments.
📢 Hamas Responds
In a strong statement, Hamas officials accused Israel of deliberately launching attacks on Nakba Day to send a political message.
“Israel is repeating the horrors of 1948. We will not forget. We will not surrender,” a Hamas spokesperson declared.
⚠️ Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The bombings have worsened the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with hundreds injured and critical infrastructure destroyed. Aid agencies warn that without immediate ceasefire and access to medical aid, the death toll may continue to rise.
The attacks have also fueled anger and despair among Palestinians, many of whom were commemorating Nakba Day in mourning and resistance.
Now, the collective memory of 1948 is being violently echoed in real time.