Israeli strikes kill over 250 in Gaza as ground offensive looms

More than 250 people have been killed in Gaza since Thursday morning, according to local health officials, amid one of the deadliest phases of the conflict since the collapse of a temporary truce in March. 

The surge in Israeli air and artillery strikes has prompted fears of an imminent ground invasion.

U.S. President Donald Trump, concluding a Middle East tour on Friday without securing a new ceasefire, acknowledged the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “A lot of people are starving in Gaza, so we have to look at both sides,” Trump said. Asked about Israel’s ongoing military plans, he added he expected “good things” in the coming month.

The latest attacks have focused heavily on northern Gaza, particularly the towns of Beit Lahiya and Jabalia refugee camp, where dozens—including women and children—were killed overnight. Gaza Health Ministry spokesperson Khalil al-Deqran said emergency crews are still recovering bodies from the rubble.

Israel has intensified its campaign against Hamas and is amassing armored forces along the border, despite growing international pressure to resume ceasefire talks and allow humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.

On May 5, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for a more expansive military operation, potentially involving the seizure of the entire Gaza Strip and control of aid distribution. According to an Israeli defense official, that offensive was not to begin until Trump’s regional visit had ended.

Israel says its goal is to eliminate Hamas, which launched a deadly attack on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. Since then, Gaza’s infrastructure has been devastated, over 53,000 people have been killed, and nearly all residents have been displaced, according to Palestinian health authorities and humanitarian organizations.

Residents report relentless bombing and shelling throughout the night. In Jabalia, bodies were seen laid out in white sheets as grieving families searched through debris. Leaflets dropped by the Israeli military instructed residents of Beit Lahiya to evacuate southward.

However, no part of the enclave appears safe. “Where should I go today? To the west? There’s bombing. To the south? They’re killing people in Khan Younis. To Deir al-Balah? There is bombing,” said Fadi Tamboura, who lost family members in an overnight strike.

Israel’s military claimed to have struck over 150 targets across Gaza in the latest wave of attacks. Residents from Gaza City described intense shelling and constant explosions.

“We thought Trump arrived to save us, but it seems Netanyahu doesn’t care, neither does Trump,” said one man, Ismail, speaking via messaging app.

International criticism of Israel’s military campaign is mounting. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is “troubled” by the worsening humanitarian crisis and the continued blockade of essential aid.

Despite this, Netanyahu has maintained a hard line. While a delegation has been sent to Qatar to participate in ceasefire negotiations, the Israeli leader has ruled out major concessions and reaffirmed his commitment to defeating Hamas.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing relatives of the remaining 58 hostages held in Gaza, urged the government to act swiftly. In a statement, they warned of missing a “historic opportunity” as Trump’s visit concludes.

“These are dramatic hours that will determine the fate of our loved ones, the future of Israeli society, and the Middle East,” the group said.