In a sharp escalation of violence, Israel launched a series of intensified airstrikes on Gaza, killing more than 115 Palestinians in a single day. Since Thursday morning, over 250 lives have been lost, marking one of the deadliest phases of bombardment since the collapse of a truce in March. This surge in attacks comes amid expectations of a broader ground offensive and rising global condemnation.
Intensified Strikes in Northern Gaza
On Friday, Israeli air and artillery strikes primarily targeted northern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of dozens of civilians, including women and children, according to Khalil al-Deqran, spokesperson for the Gaza Health Ministry. The civil defence agency later confirmed 88 deaths across the enclave from the ongoing attacks. Local witnesses described scenes of devastation, with body parts scattered and families torn apart.
“There is no safety. We could die at any moment,” said Ahmed Nasr, a resident of northern Gaza.
“Only their remains are left... They were my sisters and daughters,” cried Mayar Salem at the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia.
U.S. President Trump Acknowledges Gaza’s Starvation Crisis
Ending his Middle East tour on Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
“We have to help also out the Palestinians. A lot of people are starving in Gaza,” he said, noting that the United States is “going to get that taken care of.”
When asked about his stance on Israel’s military campaign, Trump expressed optimism:
“I expect good things over the next month.”
Humanitarian Crisis and Growing Famine Risk
Humanitarian agencies have raised alarm over Gaza’s dire living conditions. Catherine Russell, head of UNICEF, called attention to the tragic killing of 45 children in just two days, and warned that over one million children face imminent starvation.
“More than 1 million children in Gaza face the risk of starvation. They are deprived of food, water and medicine,” she said.
“Nowhere is safe for children in Gaza.”
Tom Fletcher, the UN aid chief, also condemned Israel’s blockade, which has prevented aid delivery for 75 consecutive days, urging:
“Let’s not waste time. We already have a proven aid distribution plan ready.”
Displacement and Calls for Ceasefire
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported that over 19,000 Palestinians were displaced from Gaza in just one day, “many with nothing but the clothes on their backs.”
In response to the spiraling crisis, Jordan's King Abdullah II urged U.S. Vice President JD Vance to push for a ceasefire, facilitate humanitarian aid, and revive peace negotiations grounded in a two-state solution.
Hostage Families Slam Netanyahu’s Missed Opportunity
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing Israeli families of hostages held in Gaza, expressed anguish over the military escalation coinciding with President Trump’s visit.
“Missing this historic opportunity would be a resounding failure that will be remembered in infamy forever,” the group stated, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of neglecting a chance to secure the release of captives.
Israeli Settler Attacks in West Bank
Amid the Gaza escalation, Israeli settlers launched attacks on Palestinian vehicles and infrastructure in the occupied West Bank. Incidents were reported in Bruqin and the Ramin Plain, with Masoudiya water well targeted and a guard’s vehicle set on fire. Hamas condemned the acts, accusing settlers of acting with military backing, calling it a "dangerous escalation."
Hamas Urges U.S. to End Gaza Blockade
A senior Hamas official, Taher al-Nunu, called on the U.S. to pressure Israel into lifting the blockade and allowing immediate entry of humanitarian aid—an agreement reportedly linked to the earlier release of U.S.-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander.
Expansion of Israeli Assault Confirmed
The Israeli military confirmed the initiation of an expanded offensive in Gaza, declaring it aims to dismantle Hamas and “fulfil the objectives of the war.” Reports suggest that this move is part of a government-approved plan to retake Gaza, although a formal announcement is still pending.
Attacks Extend Beyond Gaza: Strikes on Yemen
In a significant geographic expansion of conflict, Israel’s military confirmed it struck Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen, specifically Hodeida and Salif, alleging these were used to transfer weapons and support “terrorist infrastructure.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a stern warning:
“There is more to come... We will hit them far more, including their leadership.”
International Responses: Warnings, Condemnation, and Denials
UN Rights Chief Condemns “Ethnic Cleansing”
Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, accused Israel of attempting a permanent demographic shift in Gaza:
“This latest barrage of bombs... is tantamount to ethnic cleansing and in defiance of international law.”
Macron and the EU Call for Urgent Action
French President Emmanuel Macron labelled the situation “intolerable” and indicated plans to discuss it with both Netanyahu and Trump.
U.S. Reportedly Plans to Relocate Palestinians to Libya
A controversial NBC News report revealed that the Trump administration is considering a plan to permanently displace one million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya, in exchange for unfreezing billions in Libyan assets. The plan, reportedly discussed with Libyan leadership, has sparked serious ethical and legal concerns.
UN-Israel Tensions Over Genocide Accusation
Tensions flared between Israel and the United Nations after UN aid chief Tom Fletcher asked the Security Council to act to "prevent genocide" in Gaza. Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon accused Fletcher of politicizing genocide and acting without mandate.
“You had the audacity to invoke the charge of genocide without evidence, mandate, or restraint,” Danon wrote in a scathing letter.
Cultural and Academic Backlash Grows
NYU Denies Diploma Over Anti-Israel Speech
Logan Rozos, a student at NYU, was denied a diploma after his graduation speech condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and criticized U.S. complicity. The university’s decision followed demands from pro-Israel groups amid a wider crackdown on pro-Palestinian advocacy.
Hollywood Voices Join in Protest
Over 370 artists, including Joaquin Phoenix, Riz Ahmed, Pedro Pascal, Guillermo del Toro, and Juliette Binoche, signed a letter denouncing the entertainment industry’s silence on what they called “genocide” in Gaza. The letter also paid tribute to Fatima Hassouna, a Gaza photojournalist killed with her family just days before her documentary premiered at Cannes.
Ceasefire Talks and Diplomatic Friction in Doha
Despite stalled negotiations, Israel’s negotiating team remains in Doha for ceasefire discussions, though mediators—particularly Qatari officials—have expressed frustration with Israel’s lack of progress or flexibility.
Summary: A Conflict at Boiling Point
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Over 250 killed in two days, with at least 115 on Friday alone
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Over 19,000 Palestinians displaced
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Children and civilians targeted, with increasing famine risks
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International condemnation from the UN, France, Jordan, and humanitarian agencies
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U.S. acknowledges crisis, but is accused of complicity
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Israeli military expands operations, including strikes in Yemen
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Cultural figures and students face backlash for pro-Palestinian speech
As Israeli strikes deepen and civilian casualties mount, the world watches with mounting alarm. Humanitarian agencies are calling for immediate action, ceasefire negotiations are stalled, and the specter of forced displacement, regional conflict, and famine looms over Gaza.
The situation has reached a critical inflection point, demanding urgent and coordinated global intervention.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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