Gaza:
A video has emerged on social media showing Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers detonating a residential building in Gaza during what they referred to as a “gender reveal party.” The footage captures the aftermath, with explosives causing blue and grey smoke to billow from the site.
In the background, people can be heard shouting, “It’s a boy!” while laughter follows the explosion.
Israeli soldiers blew up Gaza buildings to reveal their gender. pic.twitter.com/cnubragljp
– Mukhtar (@i_ammukhtar) May 5, 2025
Al Jazeera reports that Israeli soldiers shared the video themselves, though there has been no official comment from Israel on the matter.
Online reactions have been overwhelmingly critical. One user labeled the event as “despicable,” while another referred to those involved as “worthless and inhuman.” Another commentator questioned how the UN allows such actions without ramifications.
The War in Gaza
This video surfaced as the Israeli Cabinet approved a plan to maintain control over the Gaza Strip for an indefinite period. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that attacks on Palestinian factions had intensified and that these measures were meant to ensure Israeli security.
Netanyahu emphasized in a video message that Israeli forces would no longer employ previous tactics of brief incursions. Instead, he indicated a commitment to holding ground recently captured by troops.
Following President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East, a Reuters report suggests that increased military activity in Gaza could provoke significant international backlash.
Israeli forces have already seized roughly a third of Gaza, displacing residents and establishing surveillance zones. New strategies may extend these operations further.
According to an Israeli official speaking to Reuters, the latest plans aim to take full control of the Gaza Strip, relocate civilians southward, and restrict humanitarian aid from reaching Hamas.
