At Least 80 Killed By Israeli Strikes As Death Toll Tops 52,000

At Least 80 Killed By Israeli Strikes As Death Toll Tops 52,000

What Happened

At least 80 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza as violence intensified and ceasefire talks stalled. Some local sources put the toll at over 120. The renewed assault follows Donald Trump’s regional tour, where he proposed turning Gaza into a “freedom zone” managed by the US — a revival of an earlier controversial plan that implied permanent displacement of Gaza’s population.

Hamas rejected the idea, calling Gaza an inseparable part of Palestine. Trump’s plan notably excluded Israel, seen as a diplomatic snub to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has pledged to escalate the military campaign to defeat Hamas and rescue 58 hostages.

Meanwhile, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 52,900, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Nakba Day was marked on Thursday amid ongoing displacement and violence.

What’s Next

The US-backed humanitarian aid plan, involving six distribution hubs guarded by Israeli troops, is set to begin by month’s end — but has faced heavy criticism from the UN and aid groups as unworkable and potentially unlawful. Gulf states have reportedly declined to fund it.

Food and fuel stocks in Gaza are near depletion, with nearly half a million at risk of starvation. Pressure is growing on Israel to ease the blockade, now entering its third month.

Violence also flared in the West Bank, where Israeli forces killed five Palestinians during a raid. A separate shooting killed a pregnant Israeli woman, an attack praised by Hamas though not claimed.

Media Reaction

BBC says US diplomat Marco Rubio the US is “troubled” by the humanitarian situation in Gaza. His comments came as at least 114 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air strikes on Thursday, the broadcaster reports.

Middle East Eye says as Israel unveils its final genocide push, and mass death from starvation looms in Gaza, western media and politicians are tentatively starting to speak up.

CNN says the Israeli military intensified operations across Gaza Thursday, killing more than 100 people, and pledged to continue bombings as US President Donald Trump suggested establishing a “freedom zone” in the enclave.