News & Politics
Israeli forces kill 55 in Gaza clashes as US opens Jerusalem embassy

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AFP / Thomas COEX
At least 55 Palestinians were killed on Monday with more than 2,400 wounded
Israeli forces killed 55 Palestinians on the Gaza border in the conflict’s bloodiest day in years on Monday as clashes and protests coincided with the deeply controversial opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem.
The unrest, which left more than 2,400 Palestinians wounded, erupted before a White House delegation and Israeli officials opened the embassy at an inauguration ceremony in Jerusalem.
It was the deadliest day in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the 2014 Gaza war.
The dead included eight children under the age of 16, according to the Palestinian envoy to the United Nations. The Gazan health ministry provided the overall death and injury toll.

AFP / Thomas SAINT-CRICQ
Eight bloody weeks in the Gaza Strip
Tens of thousands had gathered near the border in protest while smaller numbers of stone-throwing Palestinians approached the fence and sought to break through, with Israeli snipers positioned on the other side.
At the United Nations, the US blocked the adoption of a Security Council statement that would have called for an independent probe into the violence, diplomats told AFP.
The embassy inauguration went on as planned, attended by a Washington delegation that included US President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, both White House aides.
Ivanka Trump helped declare the new embassy open and a plaque and seal were unveiled before the 800 guests at the ceremony, which took place at what until now had been a US consulate building in Jerusalem.
Trump addressed the gathering by video.
“Our greatest hope is for peace,” he said, despite the Palestinian anger the move has provoked.
“The United States remains fully committed to facilitating a lasting peace agreement.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Trump in his address that “by recognising history you have made history”.
– Protests and clashes –
Along the Gaza border, crowds built throughout the day in the Palestinian enclave less than 100 kilometres (60 miles) away from Jerusalem and sealed off from Israel by a blockade.
Israel’s military said 40,000 Palestinians had taken part in the protests and clashes.

AFP / Menahem KAHANA
US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin claps as Ivanka Trump unveils a plaque during the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem on May 14, 2018
The military also said one of its fighter jets had struck five targets at a Hamas training facility in Gaza.
Earlier, a warplane and tank targeted two other Hamas posts in response to what it said was fire toward its forces by Hamas.
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas accused Israel of “massacres,” while Amnesty International called the violence an “abhorrent violation” of human rights. Human Rights Watch denounced a “bloodbath”.
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said “we expect all to act with utmost restraint to avoid further loss of life,” while British Prime Minister Theresa May’s spokesman urged “calm and restraint”.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israel of “state terror” and “genocide”, announcing three days of mourning and a giant protest in Istanbul on Friday. Turkey also said it was recalling its ambassadors to the US and Israel “for consultations”.
– ‘Terrorist squads’ –
There had already been weeks of protests and clashes along the Gaza border, with 109 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire there since March 30.
No Israelis have been killed and the military has faced criticism over the use of live fire.
Israel has justified its action as necessary to stop infiltrations of the border fence, while accusing Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the blockaded Gaza Strip, of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out violence.
Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus alleged “we have seen three different squads, fully equipped terrorist squads with weapons, trying to plant IEDs at the (border) fence in three different locations.”
The inauguration followed Trump’s December 6 recognition of the disputed city as Israel’s capital.
Abbas said the new embassy is tantamount to “a new American settler outpost” in Jerusalem and that the United States “is no longer a mediator in the Middle East”.
Around 1,000 police officers were positioned around the embassy, while Israel’s army said it almost doubled the number of troops surrounding Gaza and in the occupied West Bank.

AFP / MAHMUD HAMS Palestinian demonstrators burn tyres near the Gaza-Israel border on May 14, 2018.
Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said in a message to Gazans that “we will protect our civilians with all our means and not enable the fence to be crossed.”
Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community.
Beyond the disputed nature of Jerusalem, the date of the embassy move was also key. May 14 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel.
On Tuesday, Palestinians mark the “Nakba”, or catastrophe, commemorating the more than 700,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their homes in the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s creation.
Palestinian protests are also planned for Tuesday.
Jerusalem’s status is perhaps the thorniest issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.
International consensus has been that the city’s status must be negotiated between the two sides, but Trump broke with that to global outrage.
He has argued that it helps make peace possible by taking Jerusalem “off the table”, but many have noted he has not announced any concessions in return from Israel.
Global Affairs
Iranian Missile Strikes Soroka Hospital: Assessing June 19 Attack & Broader Devastation–Tracking Times
Soroka Medical Center—responsible for over 1 million residents—activated emergency protocols: evacuating major wards, diverting patients to underground shelters and limiting admissions. Though physical casualties were few, the psychological toll across patients and staff is considerable.

On Thursday, June 19, 2025, an Iranian ballistic missile struck Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva southern Israel. It also hit Ramat Gan with extreme devastating losses.
The direct hit inflicted extensive damage—blown-out windows, collapsed ceilings—while hospital staff evacuated patients safely. No fatalities were reported, though 40–65 people suffered injuries across southern and central Israel. Additional impacts hit residential towers in Ramat Gan, Holon, and Tel Aviv. (timesofisrael.com)
The images below show collapsed sections, debris fields, and stunned rescue teams.
2. Impact on Medical Services & Patients
Soroka Medical Center—responsible for over 1 million residents—activated emergency protocols: evacuating major wards, diverting patients to underground shelters and limiting admissions. (1news.co.nz) Though physical casualties were few, the psychological toll across patients and staff is considerable.
A volunteer recounted:
“Everything fell apart. Glass, ceilings – everything fell.” (timesofisrael.com)
Nearby towns also reported shattered windows and structural damage. The widespread fear has triggered mental health alerts and community trauma interventions.
Also Read: Israel-Iran Conflict: History, Latest Impact & Solutions–Trackingtimes
Iran–Israel War Escalates: Today’s Attacks, Trump’s Warning & Biblical Insights
Iran’s ‘Great Surprise Tonight’: Implications, Risks & Strategies to Avert War — Tracking Times
3. Broader Missile Assault 19–20 June (200 words)
The Guardian and AP News had reported that the hospital hit is part of a wider Iranian missile onslaught. On June 18–19, Iran launched over 30 ballistic missiles, striking Be’er Sheva, Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Holon. (theguardian.com) Casualties included 40–65 wounded, including at least 6 seriously injured, with reports of war-crime allegations from Israeli authorities.
Also stated that the Israeli Military and residential targets were affected alongside civilian infrastructure. Israel responded with intensified airstrikes on Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor and strategic sites. (apnews.com)
4. International Reactions & Analysis
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu firmly denounced the hospital attack as a “war crime” and pledged severe retaliation on Iran.
- Israeli Health Minister, Uriel Buso labeled it “terror attack” and crossing “red lines.”
- Iran’s government asserts it targeted military-related sites, urging Israel not to act surprised.
- Experts: International Crisis Group’s Ali Vaez warns this marks a dangerous turning point that tests Israel’s air-defense thresholds and risks deeper regional conflict escalation.
Global leaders including the U.S., EU, China, and Russia are calling for de-escalation amid warnings of broader consequences. (theguardian.com)
5. Consequences & Risk Factors
- Medical infrastructure under pressure: Continued attacks risk crippling health services and expose vulnerable civilians.
- Escalation risk: Retaliatory cycles may pull in Iran-backed proxies (Hezbollah, Houthis).
- Humanitarian strain: Trauma from hospital strikes leads to population displacement and mental health crisis.
- Economic fallout: Markets react sharply; Israeli insurers, medical supplies, and rebuilding faces strain.
- Legal implications: If civilian hospitals are repeatedly targeted, Israel or Iran could face international legal scrutiny.
6. Defense & Humanitarian Recommendations (150 words)
- Enhance Civil Defense: Rapid upgrades to hospital bunkers, emergency drills, and medical staff PTSD training.
- Diplomatic Pressure: Immediate UN Security Council intervention to demand respect for medical neutrality.
- Early-Warning Integration: Coordinate air-defense notifications directly with hospitals and city shelters.
- Aid Corridors: International NGOs partner with Israeli agencies for supplies, counseling, and medical evacuation planning.
- Media Transparency: Accurate reporting and documented damage log to support legal accountability and aid calls.
Conclusion
The missile strike on Soroka Hospital starkly illustrates the human cost of this conflict. Immediate defensive, diplomatic, and humanitarian responses are vital—not just to save lives but to deter further escalation. We must act urgently before retaliation spirals into regional war.
Global Affairs
Iran’s ‘Great Surprise Tonight’: Implications, Risks & Strategies to Avert War — Tracking Times
That statement followed Supreme Leader Khamenei’s own warning that “the battle begins”—signaling Iranian resolve to respond decisively.

Iranian state media had issue a warning of “a great surprise will occur—one that the world will remember for centuries.”
Though the exact wording varies slightly by translation. In fact, multiple outlets report that during a live Tehran broadcast, a state television anchor cautioned:
“Tonight, a great surprise will occur—one that the world will remember for centuries.”
According to The Print and unionesarda, “This ominous statement wasn’t aimed at local viewers. It was meant for an international audience, setting a deliberate tone of imminent, dramatic escalation” (theprint.in, unionesarda.it)
1. Context & What Was Said
During live state TV coverage of Israeli strikes, an anchorman declared:
“Tonight, a great surprise will occur, one that the world will remember for centuries.”
That statement followed Supreme Leader Khamenei’s own warning that “the battle begins”—signaling Iranian resolve to respond decisively (nypost.com).
Read Also: Israel-Iran Conflict: History, Latest Impact & Solutions–Trackingtimes
Iran–Israel War Escalates: Today’s Attacks, Trump’s Warning & Biblical Insights
2. What Could the “Surprise” Be?
a. Large-Scale Missile Strike
Given past patterns, Iran could launch an unprecedented barrage of ballistic missiles and drones targeting deep into Israel or U.S. bases in the region.
b. Innovative Weapons Unveiled
New IRGC stealth drones will debut. Hypersonic missiles or electronic warfare systems could also be introduced. These innovations might strike both military targets and critical infrastructure.
c. Proxy Network Activation
Iran-backed groups—Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, Houthis—might start simultaneous attacks across multiple fronts (Lebanon, Gaza, Red Sea).
d. Cyber or Space Operations
Potentially disruptive digital attacks on Israel’s infrastructure or satellite interference—amplifying effects beyond conventional warfare.
3. Immediate Impacts & Risks
- Civilian Casualties: Higher death tolls, mass evacuations, infrastructure damage.
- Oil Supply Threats: Attacks on tankers or Strait of Hormuz closure could spike global oil prices.
- Regional Expansion: Spillover violence increases chance of a broader Middle East war.
- Global Economic Panic: Markets dip, safe-haven buying surges, flight cancellations from region.
- Media & Propaganda Blitz: State outlets on both sides will escalate rhetoric, complicating diplomacy.
4. Strategies to Avert Disaster
- Immediate Diplomatic De-escalation: Third-party nations (EU, Turkey, GCC) must urgently broker an Iran–Israel communications channel.
- UN Security Council Pressure: Immediate resolution calling for pause and reducing aerial incursions.
- Establish Crisis Hotline: A direct military-to-military “red phone” between Tehran and Jerusalem to avoid miscalculations.
- Proxy Restraint Coordination: U.S. and European sanctions could target non-state actors to limit escalation via militias.
- Global Humanitarian Planning: Neighboring countries should prepare refugee shelters, medical assistance, and aid corridors.
5. Long-Term Consequences If Ignored
- Potential Widespread Conflict: Major powers drawn into localized theaters leads to proxy or direct war.
- Economic Shockwaves: Energy prices surge, supply chains disrupted, trend toward global recession.
- Humanitarian Toll: Millions displaced, with little stable response capacity due to simultaneous crises.
- Global Realignments: Countries may strategically reorient to China, Russia, or alternative trading blocs.
6. Recommended Path Forward
Strategy | Purpose |
---|---|
Diplomatic Mediation | Lower tensions before military triggers |
Third-Party Escalation Talk | Reduce risks of blowback from attacks |
Public Transparency | Maintain civilian trust and compliance |
Technological Caution | Share intel on drone/missile tests |
Humanitarian & Refugee Prep | Ensure readiness for civilian fallout |
️Final Take
Iran’s “great surprise tonight” warning is grim—but not inevitable. With thoughtful global diplomacy, military restraint, and coordinated crisis-response, escalation can be prevented.
Global Affairs
Iran–Israel War Escalates: Today’s Attacks, Trump’s Warning & Biblical Insights
The Iran–Israel conflict has surged into a full-fledged air war with growing humanitarian tolls. Trump’s evacuation call adds urgency and affects global stability.

Latest Developments
- Israel’s Operation Rising Lion launched coordinated airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear sites (Natanz, Isfahan, Fordow), key IRGC commanders, and missile infrastructure—including in Tehran—claiming “total air superiority” (theguardian.com).
- Iran retaliated with over 300 missiles and drones, landing in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other regions (apnews.com).
Current Casualties & Damage
- Iran: Health Ministry reports 224 killed, ~1,277 injured; independent sources suggest up to 400+ deaths, many civilians, with extensive damage to city infrastructures—water, power, hospitals (theguardian.com).
- Israel: Official sources confirm 24 civilian deaths, ~60–500 injured from Iranian strikes (apnews.com).
Official Statements
President Donald Trump
- Urged all Tehran residents to vacate right away; left G7 early to address crisis (reuters.com).
- Pushed for a “real deal” nuclear agreement with Iran, denying ceasefire claims (reuters.com).
Israeli Government (PM & IDF)
- PM Netanyahu stated the operation will persist “as many days as needed to neutralize the threat”—emphasizing hits on nuclear/scientific and missile facilities (understandingwar.org).
- The military claims destruction of 120 missile launchers (~1/3 of Iran’s stockpile) and “total air superiority” over Tehran (theguardian.com).
Iranian Response
- Supreme Leader Khamenei denounced strikes as “crimes” and promised a “bitter fate” for Israel (en.wikipedia.org).
- IRGC’s spokesperson declared readiness to retaliate further; Foreign Ministry blamed U.S. for dangerous consequences (en.wikipedia.org).
- Read Also: Israel-Iran Conflict: History, Latest Impact & Solutions–Trackingtimes
Humanitarian Impact & Civilian Exodus
- Over 100,000 Tehran residents have fled northwards to Mazandaran, Gilan, and Alborz provinces (en.wikipedia.org).
- Reports of fuel shortages, hospital strain, internet blackouts, and psychological distress are emerging (en.wikipedia.org).
🔮 What’s Next?
- Further military escalation — Iran may strike U.S. or allies if intervention continues (understandingwar.org).
- Nuclear diplomacy in limbo — Iran paused talks pending Israeli ceasefire; Trump supports negotiation .
- Broader regional ripple effects — Proxy groups, including Hezbollah, Houthis, and Iraqi militias, could escalate (en.wikipedia.org).
- Global economic disruptions — Oil prices spiked after Tehran warnings; airlines diverted flights (en.wikipedia.org).
Biblical Perspective
- Operation Rising Lion invokes Isaiah 31:4 (“As a lion… roars!”), reinforcing Israel’s belief in its God-given resolve (newarab.com).
- Some Christian prophecy scholars see this as part of eschatological build-up (Ezekiel 38, Isaiah 17)—though cautioned by others to avoid hasty conclusions (forums.crosswalk.com).
- Biblical themes abound: calls for justice, divine defense, and the lament over cities under siege echo Psalms and prophets (e.g., Lamentations 2:1; Joel 3:2). Prayer for peace and wisdom is urged.
Key Takeaways
- The Iran–Israel conflict has surged into a full-fledged air war with growing humanitarian tolls.
- Trump’s evacuation call adds urgency and affects global stability.
- Expect continued conflict, potential negotiations, and regional escalation.
- Many believers are interpreting the events through biblical lenses—prayers for peace are critical.
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