Israeli Strikes Kill 150 Palestinians in Gaza in 24 Hours/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 150 Palestinians in Gaza, with 459 others injured, according to local health authorities. The Israeli military has launched “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” aiming to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages. The offensive exacerbates an already dire humanitarian crisis, with hospitals overwhelmed and a UN warning of impending famine due to a prolonged aid blockade.
Gaza Crisis Quick Looks
- Death Toll Rises: At least 146 Palestinians killed and 459 injured in 24 hours.
- Military Operation: Israel initiates “Operation Gideon’s Chariots” to target Hamas.
- Humanitarian Emergency: Hospitals overwhelmed; UN warns of looming famine.
- International Response: Calls for ceasefire grow amid escalating violence.
- Displacement and Destruction: Mass evacuations and infrastructure devastation reported.
Israeli Strikes Kill 146 Palestinians in Gaza in 24 Hours
Deep Look
The Gaza Strip is experiencing one of its most severe escalations in recent history, as Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 150 Palestinians and injured 459 others within a 24-hour period, according to local health authorities. This surge in violence follows the collapse of a truce in March and marks a significant intensification in the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli military has launched “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” a comprehensive campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas’s military and governmental capabilities and securing the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks. The operation involves extensive airstrikes and ground maneuvers, with Israeli forces mobilizing along the Gaza border.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed earlier in the week to escalate pressure on Hamas with the aim of destroying the militant group that has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades.
The operation comes as U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his trip to the region without a visit to Israel. There had been widespread hope that Trump’s trip could increase the chances of a ceasefire deal or the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which Israel has prevented for more than two months.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have yet to achieve progress in Qatar’s capital, Doha. Hamas, which released an Israeli-American hostage as a goodwill gesture ahead of Trump’s Mideast trip, insists on a deal that ends the war — something Israel said it won’t agree to.
Israel’s army said in a post on X on Saturday that it was intensifying attacks and exerting “tremendous pressure” on Hamas across the strip. It said it will not stop until the hostages are
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated rapidly. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza reporting a “catastrophic” situation as it receives a continuous influx of casualties. Medical supplies are dwindling, and the health system is on the brink of collapse.
The United Nations has issued stark warnings about the potential for famine in Gaza, citing a 76-day blockade that has severely restricted the delivery of essential aid. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher has called on the international community to act decisively to prevent a humanitarian disaster.
A statement Friday by Fletcher said the plan is “rooted in the non-negotiable principles” and that the U.N. has people ready to deliver assistance. He demanded the rapid, safe and unimpeded aid delivery for civilians.
International reactions have been swift, with Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani urging Israel to halt its military offensive. Despite these calls, the Israeli government remains resolute in its objectives, emphasizing the need to neutralize Hamas and ensure national security.
The conflict has resulted in the displacement of nearly all of Gaza’s 2 million residents, with widespread destruction of infrastructure and homes. The death toll since the onset of hostilities in October 2023 has surpassed 53,000, highlighting the profound human cost of the ongoing violence.
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