Israeli Strikes on Gaza Cause Significant Casualties
Since Thursday morning, Israeli strikes on Gaza have resulted in the deaths of more than 250 people, according to local health authorities. This marks one of the deadliest waves of bombardment since a ceasefire collapsed in March. The situation worsens as a new ground offensive appears imminent.
US President Donald Trump, concluding his Middle East tour with no breakthrough on ceasefire efforts, acknowledged the growing hunger crisis in Gaza and stressed the importance of aid deliveries. “We have to help also out the Palestinians. You know, a lot of people are starving in Gaza, so we have to look at both sides,” he said. When asked about his support for Israel’s military plans, Trump expressed optimism, saying he expected “good things” in the coming month.
Intensified Israeli Bombardment and Military Build-up
Friday’s air and artillery strikes targeted the northern part of the crowded Gaza Strip, where dozens, including women and children, were killed overnight, a Gaza health official reported. Despite international calls to resume ceasefire talks and lift the blockade, Israel has escalated its bombardment and reinforced armored forces along the border.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for an expanded and intensive offensive against Hamas, with the security cabinet approving strategies that could lead to seizing full control of Gaza and managing aid distribution. An Israeli defense official noted that the operation would wait until after the US President’s visit, which concluded on Friday.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Military Campaign
Israel’s stated objective in Gaza is to eliminate Hamas, which launched a deadly attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. The ongoing military campaign has devastated Gaza, displacing nearly all residents and causing over 53,000 deaths according to local health authorities. Aid agencies warn that the blockade has worsened the humanitarian crisis.
Heavy strikes were reported in the northern town of Beit Lahiya and the Jabalia refugee camp, where many bodies remain trapped under rubble. Israel issued leaflets ordering all residents of Beit Lahiya to evacuate immediately, regardless of their shelter type. Residents also noted Israeli tanks moving toward the southern city of Khan Younis.
Scenes of Despair and Uncertainty Among Gaza Residents
In Jabalia, survivors sifted through debris after overnight attacks, recovering metal sheets while children crawled through the ruins. Several bodies wrapped in white sheets lay on the ground awaiting transport to hospitals. Grieving women mourned their lost loved ones.
“Where should I go today? To west Gaza? There’s bombing in west Gaza. To the south? They’re killing people in Khan Younis. To Deir al-Balah? There is bombing. Me, my children and my family, where should we go?” lamented Fadi Tamboura beside a crater from an airstrike.
Ismail, a resident of Gaza City, described the relentless explosions and tank shelling as reminiscent of the war’s early days. “The ground didn’t stop shaking underneath our feet,” he said. He added, “We thought Trump arrived to save us, but it seems Netanyahu doesn’t care, neither does Trump.”
International Concerns and Efforts to Negotiate Ceasefire
Israel faces growing international criticism for its Gaza campaign, including unease from its closest ally, the United States, over the scale of destruction and worsening blockade effects. US officials have expressed concern regarding the humanitarian situation.
Despite this, Netanyahu has sent a delegation to Doha for ceasefire negotiations with Qatari mediators but remains firm on defeating Hamas without concessions. Meanwhile, a forum representing families of hostages held in Gaza warned that Israel risks missing a “historic opportunity” to secure their release as diplomatic efforts stall.
“We are in dramatic hours that will determine the future of our loved ones, the future of Israeli society, and the future of the Middle East,” the group stated.
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