On Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes devastated northern and southern Gaza, killing at least 70 people, including 22 children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry and local hospitals. The strikes were particularly lethal around Jabaliya in northern Gaza, where 50 casualties were recorded.
The attacks came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly stated that Israel would not halt its military offensive until Hamas is fully defeated, despite calls for de-escalation following Hamas’ release of an Israeli-American hostage earlier in the week.
Netanyahu Vows Escalation as Gaza Hospital Struck, Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Further
Prime Minister Netanyahu reinforced his commitment to intensifying the offensive, claiming Israeli forces were days away from a significant escalation aimed at destroying Hamas. His announcement coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, which had raised hopes for a potential ceasefire or increased humanitarian aid. However, Israel’s military continued strikes in areas like Jabaliya and Khan Younis, warning civilians in advance but still causing extensive civilian casualties and destruction.
Israeli Strikes Kill 70 in Gaza as Netanyahu Pledges Escalation Despite Humanitarian Outcry
A major hospital in Khan Younis was hit during the attacks, reportedly targeting Mohammed Sinwar, a high-ranking Hamas commander. While Israel claimed it was striking a Hamas command center beneath the hospital, the resulting damage crippled the facility’s operations, halting surgeries and destroying essential infrastructure like water and sewage systems. Medical personnel reported that ambulances could no longer access the site, worsening the already dire healthcare crisis in the region.
Macron Slams Israel’s Blockade as Gaza Faces Worsening Food and Health Crisis
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Israel’s ongoing blockade of Gaza, calling it a “disgrace” that has triggered a major humanitarian disaster. He demanded the reopening of borders for humanitarian aid and emphasized the need to address both Hamas’ militarization and the dire conditions facing Gaza’s civilians.
International agencies have warned that nearly half a million Palestinians are on the brink of famine, with over 1 million struggling to access food and medical supplies.
The ongoing blockade has decimated Gaza’s food distribution system, with charity kitchens—the last source of sustenance for many—closing rapidly due to a lack of supplies. The U.N. reports that only 68 charity kitchens remain out of over 180 that were operating weeks ago, and the number of meals distributed daily has plummeted from over a million to just 260,000.
The World Health Organization warned of a looming health crisis, with only enough resources to treat 500 children suffering from acute malnutrition, a fraction of those in need. Despite Israeli claims that food is entering Gaza, humanitarian groups say it is far from sufficient.
