At least 146 Palestinians were killed and many more injured in a fresh wave of Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, according to local health authorities. The latest surge in violence marks one of the deadliest 24-hour periods since the collapse of the last ceasefire in March, as Israel prepares for a potential large-scale ground operation.
The situation in Gaza’s healthcare system has become increasingly dire, with hospitals barely operational due to repeated strikes and a crippling shortage of medical supplies. Marwan Al-Sultan, director of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, described the conditions as “catastrophic,” adding that dozens of victims remained trapped under rubble.
“Since midnight, we have received 58 martyrs,” Al-Sultan said. “The hospital cannot cope with the scale of injuries.”
Ground Offensive Looms as Israel Escalates ‘Operation Gideon’s Wagons’
Israel’s military confirmed it was conducting extensive strikes and mobilizing troops as part of “Operation Gideon’s Wagons,” aimed at achieving operational control in Gaza and dismantling Hamas. Tanks and armored units have reportedly been amassing along the border, and heavy fighting has erupted near the northern towns of Beit Lahia and Jabalia, as well as near Khan Younis in the south.
“We are gradually increasing forces; Hamas remains defiant,” the Israeli military stated on Saturday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced earlier this month that Israel was preparing for an “expanded, intensive offensive” against Hamas, with the security cabinet approving plans that could involve seizing full control of the Gaza Strip.
International Concerns Over Famine and Displacement
The United Nations has issued stark warnings about a looming famine in Gaza, exacerbated by Israel’s blockade that has now lasted 76 days. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher urged the Security Council this week to take action to “prevent genocide.”
President Donald Trump, who concluded his Middle East tour on Friday, acknowledged the worsening humanitarian crisis and hunger in Gaza. However, his trip ended with no tangible progress toward a new ceasefire agreement. A U.S.-backed foundation has announced plans to begin distributing aid to Gaza by the end of May using private contractors, but the UN has refused to cooperate, citing concerns over neutrality and independence.
In a controversial development, NBC News reported that the Trump administration is discussing a plan to permanently relocate up to one million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya. The proposal has been met with strong opposition from Palestinian leaders and international rights groups. Both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority have rejected any forced displacement of Gaza’s population.
Humanitarian Toll
The ongoing conflict, now in its 19th month, has devastated the densely populated Gaza Strip. Nearly the entire population of two million has been displaced, and over 53,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health authorities. The Israeli campaign was launched in response to Hamas’ October 7, 2023, cross-border attack, which killed about 1,200 Israelis and led to the capture of around 250 hostages.
As international pressure mounts on Israel to halt its offensive and resume ceasefire talks, the situation on the ground in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly, with no end in sight to the humanitarian catastrophe.
Sources By Agencies
