Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip, May 14, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
Intensified Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
The Israeli military conducted extensive airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 70 Palestinians, according to local health authorities. The escalation coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East, where he is engaging in diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing violence in the region.
Civilian Casualties in Jabalia
Medics reported that the majority of the casualties occurred in the northern Gaza area of Jabalia, where Israeli airstrikes hit residential buildings. Many of the deceased, including women and children, were discovered in the rubble. Rescue teams struggled to reach some areas, with bodies still lying on the roads amid the destruction.
Eyewitness accounts from the scene painted a harrowing picture. Hadi Moqbel, who lost family members in the strikes, described finding body parts scattered on the ground, including a two-month-old infant killed in the attack.
The Israeli military has not yet commented on the incident but stated that it was verifying the reports. In the aftermath, residents were seen searching through the debris of their homes for personal belongings and essential documents.
Targeted Strikes on Hamas Leadership
Israeli media, citing security officials, reported that Hamas military leader Mohammad Sinwar and other senior figures may have been killed in a targeted strike on a command bunker located beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis. However, neither the Israeli military nor Hamas has confirmed these reports.
Witnesses later reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted a bulldozer approaching the site, injuring several individuals. Meanwhile, Islamic Jihad, an allied militant group, launched rockets from Gaza towards Israel, prompting Israeli retaliatory strikes after issuing evacuation orders for residents in Jabalia and Beit Lahiya.
Diplomatic Context: Trump’s Middle East Visit
President Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates comes as ceasefire negotiations struggle to gain traction. Palestinians hope that the diplomatic efforts may lead to a de-escalation.
During his visit, Trump praised the release of Edan Alexander, the last known American hostage held by Hamas, and expressed optimism about further releases. However, he is not scheduled to visit Israel during this trip.
Special envoys Steve Witkoff and Adam Boehler met with hostage families in Tel Aviv, suggesting that Alexander’s release might lead to progress in securing freedom for other hostages.
Ongoing Hostilities and Humanitarian Concerns
Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of intensifying military actions to disrupt ceasefire efforts. The Israeli government, on the other hand, holds Hamas responsible for prolonging the conflict.
The United States has proposed a plan to reopen humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza through private contractors. While Israel supports this plan, the United Nations and other aid organizations have rejected it. The blockade of supplies into Gaza, imposed by Israel since March 2, remains in place, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Historical Context and Casualty Figures
The current conflict traces back to a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza. Israel’s military response has since claimed over 52,900 Palestinian lives, according to local health officials.
International aid groups warn that Gaza is on the verge of famine due to the blockade and sustained bombardment. As violence continues to escalate, diplomatic efforts remain fragile, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza grows increasingly dire.
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