Israel Intensifies Gaza Strikes Amid Hostage Standoff as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens and Diplomacy Falters

On Friday, Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, killing at least 108 people, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The majority of the dead were reported to be women and children. Israeli officials described the strikes as part of a broader plan to escalate military pressure on Hamas, aiming to secure the release of 58 hostages still held in Gaza since the October 2023 attacks.

In addition to Gaza, Israel struck two ports in Yemen, targeting what it claimed were Houthi-controlled weapon transfer points. At least one person was killed and nine others injured. These strikes follow recent missile threats from Yemen, which Israel intercepted during President Donald Trump’s regional visit. Prime Minister Netanyahu promised further military action if threats persist.

President Trump’s Middle East tour, which included stops in three Gulf states but excluded Israel, concluded without securing a ceasefire or resumption of aid to Gaza. He acknowledged the humanitarian crisis, expressing concern for the suffering in Gaza, but offered no concrete solutions. Hopes that his trip would lead to diplomatic progress or open humanitarian channels were largely unmet.

Civilians Flee Amid Strikes as Israel Prepares Major Offensive Against Hamas in Gaza

The Israeli strikes led to a fresh wave of displacement. In the north, residents fled Jabaliya and Beit Lahiya, while in the south, air raids targeted Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. Civilians fled on foot and by makeshift transport amid smoke and destruction. Tragic reports included the deaths of children and their grandfather, trying to escape Khan Younis.

Israeli leaders have signaled a broader offensive in Gaza unless Hamas releases the hostages. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces were preparing a major operation to “complete the mission” of destroying Hamas. Defense officials said they targeted senior Hamas figures, including the presumed leader of its military wing, though his fate remains unclear.

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens as Gaza Blockade Continues Into Third Month With Aid Delays

Gaza’s blockade has now entered its third month, with catastrophic humanitarian consequences. Food shortages led to chaos at charity kitchens in Khan Younis, where children cried out for food and aid workers struggled to maintain order. Israel maintains the blockade to pressure Hamas, but displaced Palestinians see it as collective punishment, with starvation setting in.

While the U.N. and major aid agencies remain sidelined, a U.S.-backed humanitarian group called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation announced plans to begin operations soon. Staffed by military veterans and former aid coordinators, the initiative has drawn criticism from the broader humanitarian community, which argues that it lacks neutrality and won’t meet Gaza’s massive needs.