Intense Israeli attacks in Gaza leave 146 Palestinians dead within a 24-hour period, as reported by local health officials
P pulverized Palestine: Israel's air force unleashed a brutal assault on Gaza over the past day, annihilating at least 146 Palestinians and wounding countless more, according to local health authorities. This bloodshed marks one of the deadliest sequences since the truce deteriorated in March, with U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East tour concluding without apparent progress towards a ceasefire.
"Since the stroke of midnight, we've received 58 casualties, with most victims still trapped under the rubble. The condition at our hospital is catastrophic," said Marwan Al-Sultan, the director of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza. Local health authorities reported that 459 individuals were injured in the Israeli attacks within the past 24 hours.
*Rubio shares concern over Gaza, mulls aid alternatives*
Israel's military declared that they were executing comprehensive assaults and amassing troops in preparation for intensifying operations within the Gaza Strip and achieving "operational control" over specific regions of the Palestinian enclave. The battered healthcare system in Gaza, already on its last legs after repeated Israeli military strikes during the 19-month war and with dwindling medical supplies due to Israel's tightened blockade since March, is showing no signs of recovery.
The intensifying conflict, which includes troop buildup along the border, is just the initial stage of 'Operation Gideon's Wagons,' an Israeli operation supposedly launched to crush Hamas and secure the return of hostages. Trump earlier stated that the operation would not be set in motion until following his Middle East tour.
"We're gradually bolstering our forces, as Hamas stubbornly refuses to surrender," the military asserted on Saturday.
*Trump pitches free Gaza zone*
United Nations experts have warned that looming famine threatens Gaza following Israel's 76-day blockade on aid deliveries to the Strip, with U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher urging the Security Council to intervene and prevent genocide. Trump acknowledged the worsening hunger crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip and emphasized the urgency of facilitating aid deliveries under mounting international pressure on Israel to rekindle ceasefire discussions and lift its blockade.
However, a U.S.-backed foundation plans to distribute aid to Gazans by the end of May, deploying private U.S. security and logistics companies. The U.N., however, has refused to collaborate with the foundation, arguing that it lacks impartiality, neutrality, and independence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed Israel's intentions for an enlarged, intense offensive against Hamas, as his security cabinet approved plans potentially involving the seizure of the entire Gaza Strip and control over humanitarian aid distribution.
*Blood-soaked Gaza: Death and Starvation*
Israel ordered residents of Gaza to vacate their homes after the heavy bombardment in the northern town of Beit Lahia and the Jabalia refugee camp on Friday. Tanks, however, allegedly advanced towards Khan Younis. Israel's campaign has left the small, densely populated Strip in shambles, forcing nearly all of its 2 million inhabitants to leave their homes, and claiming the lives of over 53,000 people according to Gaza health authorities[3].
A report from NBC News on Friday claimed that the Trump administration is devising a plan to relocate up to one million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya. Palestinians, including Hamas, and the rival administration of President Mahmoud Abbas flatly reject any forcible displacement outside their land.
- In the midst of escalating tensions, Senator Rubio expressed worry about the situation in Gaza and mulls aid alternatives, as the healthcare system is showing no signs of recovery, battered by ongoing Israeli military operations and dwindling medical supplies.
- NBC News reported that the Trump administration is considering a plan to relocate up to one million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya, a proposal that is met with strong opposition from Palestinians, including Hamas and the rival administration of President Mahmoud Abbas.
- Amidst dire warnings of impending famine, United Nations experts urge the Security Council to intervene and prevent genocide in Gaza, as Israel's tightened blockade on aid deliveries to the Strip continues, exacerbating the hunger crisis. Meanwhile, Trump emphasized the urgency of facilitating aid deliveries under mounting international pressure on Israel.
