JERUSALEM: Israeli strikes on Gaza have killed greater than 250 folks since Thursday morning (Could 15), native well being authorities mentioned on Friday, one of many deadliest phases of bombardment since a truce collapsed in March, with a brand new floor offensive anticipated quickly.
US President Donald Trump, who ended a Middle East tour on Friday with no obvious progress in the direction of a brand new ceasefire as Israel steps up its navy marketing campaign, acknowledged Gaza’s rising starvation disaster and the necessity for help deliveries.
“We now have to assist additionally out the Palestinians. , lots of people are ravenous in Gaza, so we’ve got to have a look at either side,” he mentioned. When requested if he backed Israel’s warfare plans, Trump mentioned he anticipated “good issues” over the subsequent month.
Friday’s air and artillery strikes have been centered on the northern part of the tiny, crowded enclave, the place dozens of individuals together with ladies and youngsters have been killed in a single day, mentioned Gaza Well being Ministry spokesman Khalil al-Deqran.
Israel has intensified its bombardment and constructed up armoured forces alongside the border regardless of rising worldwide stress for it to renew ceasefire talks and finish its blockade of Gaza, the place warnings of famine are rising.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned on Could 5 that Israel was planning an expanded, intensive offensive towards Hamas as his safety cupboard authorised plans that would contain seizing the complete Gaza Strip and controlling help.
An Israeli defence official mentioned on the time that the operation wouldn’t be launched earlier than Trump concluded his go to to the Center East, which was anticipated to finish on Friday.
Israel’s declared purpose in Gaza is the elimination of Hamas, which attacked Israeli communities on Oct 7, 2023, killing round 1,200 folks and seizing about 250 hostages.
