In the coastal enclave of Gaza Strip, Israel initiated multiple airstrikes on Friday, reportedly resulting in the deaths of 108 people, predominantly women and children, as stated by local health authorities. Israeli sources characterized these attacks as a preliminary phase in an intensified effort to compel Hamas to release hostages.
Simultaneously, Israel targeted two Yemeni ports, alleging these locations were used by the Houthi group for weapons transfer. Local sources in Yemen confirmed at least one casualty and nine injuries due to these strikes.
This recent wave of Israeli airstrikes followed several days of bombardment in Gaza, which according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, led to over 130 casualties. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump concluded a regional tour, including Gulf nations but notably excluding Israel, raising both concern and anticipation regarding potential diplomatic interventions or humanitarian aid agreements for Gaza.
Many had hoped Trump’s diplomatic endeavors might pave the way for a ceasefire or resumption of aid to Gaza, which has been blocked by Israel for over two months. As part of broader diplomatic efforts, the Trump administration is also engaged in negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear program, with the Iranian government backing several anti-Israel militant organizations, including Hamas and the Houthis.
During a media briefing in Abu Dhabi on his trip’s final day, Trump mentioned his intention to address various global crises, including the situation in Gaza. He expressed concern over the humanitarian aspects, emphasizing the dire conditions faced by residents.
Friday’s airstrikes in Gaza reportedly claimed the lives of 31 children and 27 women, leaving many more injured, according to health ministry reports. In southern Gaza, Israeli forces targeted the peripheries of Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, claiming to strike military assets and anti-tank missile locations.
In a tragic incident, three children and their grandfather were reportedly killed while trying to escape the bombardment in Khan Younis, as per Dr. Ahmed al-Farra from Nasser Hospital. Further north, attacks near the Jabaliya refugee camp and Beit Lahiya caused panic, resulting in families fleeing their homes. Israel asserted it had neutralized several militants operating within an observation compound.
Dark plumes of smoke rose over Jabaliya, while families sought refuge utilizing various makeshift means, such as donkey carts and by foot. “We left our home in sheer desperation, without any belongings,” recounted Feisal Al-Attar, who was forced to evacuate Beit Lahiya.
Following the strikes in Yemen, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared an escalation with further actions anticipated. The Israeli military disclosed intercepting several missiles launched from Yemen directed at Israeli airspace during Trump’s regional visit.
Netanyahu reiterated plans to enhance military operations to eliminate Hamas, which has dominated Gaza for nearly 20 years. Recent statements from his office indicated imminent large-scale operations aiming to dismantle Hamas infrastructure.
In Israel, families of hostages expressed despondency over the mounting conflict, urging Netanyahu to collaborate with Trump to secure the release of hostages. The prior release of Israeli-American Edan Alexander followed clandestine U.S.-Hamas negotiations.
The initial militant-led assaults on October 7 had resulted in significant Israeli casualties and numerous abductions. Israel’s retaliatory military actions have resulted in substantial Palestinian casualties, including many women and children. The Gaza Health Ministry estimates over 53,000 deaths, with nearly 3,000 occurring after Israel terminated a ceasefire on March 18.
As Gaza’s aid blockade extends into its third month, scenes of distress are evident, with residents lining up at charity kitchens amidst scarcity and disorder. The blockade persists as a tactical move by Israel to pressure Hamas into hostage release, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis by restricting food, medicine, and essential supplies.
“We hoped Trump’s Middle East visit might revive aid and open passages for humanitarian aid,” expressed Saqer Jamal, a man displaced from Rafah. Despite constraints, the United Nations declared the reopening of 18 previously closed kitchens in Gaza through collaborative community efforts utilizing remaining food resources.
Recently, an emerging humanitarian group backed by the U.S. announced intentions to initiate aid operations by month’s end, having received tentative authorization from Israeli authorities. With American military veterans and former humanitarian coordinators onboard, the group, known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, anticipates leading this distribution effort.
However, many within the humanitarian community, including the U.N., have voiced hesitations, citing misalignment with core humanitarian principles and insufficient capability to address Gaza’s vast needs.