CliffNotes
- Israeli air strikes kill dozens in Gaza as aid blockade continues
- Israel has issued widespread evacuation orders
- Despite ceasefire talks, ground operations suggest escalation
Israeli Air Strikes Kill Dozens in Gaza as Aid Blockade Continue
What Happened
More than 40 people have been killed in a wave of intensified Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip, according to hospital officials. At least 36 bodies were taken to medical facilities in the south, including 26 killed overnight in Khan Younis, amid continued bombardments.
The escalation comes as President Donald Trump visits the region and efforts continue to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage release deal. Despite diplomatic talks, Israel has stepped up its campaign, issuing one of the most wide-reaching evacuation orders of the war.
Large areas of Gaza City have now been declared unsafe by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), with civilians urged to flee ahead of what the IDF described as “intense strikes.” Among the buildings targeted are Al-Shifa Hospital, the Islamic University, and three former schools, which Israel claims are being used by Hamas as command centres. Aid groups and local authorities say these sites are also hosting thousands of displaced civilians.
Meanwhile, the blockade on humanitarian aid remains in effect. A US-backed aid group has announced plans to begin operations in Gaza within two weeks, but deliveries remain suspended, with no supplies allowed in for over ten weeks. International agencies have warned of imminent mass starvation.
What’s Next
The new evacuation orders and sustained air strikes are seen as signs that Israel is preparing to significantly expand its ground and aerial campaign in Gaza. Aid agencies say moving thousands of people from already devastated areas will take time and could result in major civilian casualties if strikes proceed before evacuations are completed.
Pressure is also mounting internationally. Critics of the aid distribution plan say the two-week delay before the US-backed agency begins operations is unacceptable given the humanitarian crisis. Some aid groups have demanded immediate resumption of UN-led deliveries, warning that any further delay could prove fatal.
Inside Israel, voices of dissent are beginning to emerge. Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has publicly warned against deepening the military offensive, making him one of the few senior Israeli figures to break ranks.
Despite ongoing ceasefire talks, the situation on the ground suggests further escalation is imminent. Observers fear that unless a breakthrough occurs in negotiations, the coming days could bring a sharp rise in both civilian and military casualties — with the humanitarian situation in Gaza spiralling towards catastrophe.
Media Reaction
Aljazeera reports At least 84 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip, including air attacks on northern Gaza’s Jabalia that left at least 50 people dead. Thousands of Palestinians have fled parts of Gaza City’s Remal neighbourhood after the Israeli army announced plans to attack because it said Hamas – without providing any evidence – was operating there.
New York Times reports more than 50 bodies arrived at the Indonesian Hospital by noon on Wednesday following overnight Israeli strikes.
Arise News says at least 48 Palestinians, including women and children, have been killed in Israeli strikes as the UN warns of looming genocide in Gaza.