Gaza: In the immediate aftermath of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s regional tour, Israeli forces launched a devastating wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, killing at least 82 Palestinians in a single night, according to Palestinian health officials, reported the Madhyamam.
The attacks, which struck densely populated areas including Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, left hospitals overwhelmed with the injured and dead. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that dozens of homes were flattened, and entire families were buried under the rubble.
The situation worsened the following day, as Israeli bombardments escalated further, resulting in the deaths of an additional 108 people, including 31 children and 27 women. Northern Gaza saw one of the deadliest barrages, prompting thousands to flee refugee camps in Jabaliya and Beit Lahiya amid fears of a full-scale ground invasion.
Meanwhile, Trump, addressing reporters at the close of his visit, acknowledged the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. “People are starving in Gaza,” he said, proposing the creation of a “freedom zone” to provide relief. Despite the growing civilian casualties, he stopped short of criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating, “I’m not frustrated with him.”
International human rights organizations have condemned the ongoing siege, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urgent humanitarian access to Gaza, where basic supplies of food, water, and medicine have been severely cut off due to the blockade.
The Israeli government maintains that its operations target Hamas infrastructure. However, with civilian deaths mounting, global calls for accountability are growing louder.
