Israeli Strikes Kill 92 as Gaza Offensive Grows/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israeli airstrikes across Gaza killed at least 92 people, including women, children, and a journalist, as Israel prepares to expand its offensive in the war-torn enclave. The conflict has now entered its 20th month, with over 52,000 Palestinians killed. Tensions rise amid mounting humanitarian disaster and stalled hostage negotiations.
Gaza Offensive Quick Looks
- Death Toll: At least 92 killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza on Wednesday.
- Civilian Impact: Women, children, and journalist Yahya Sobeih among the dead.
- Strikes: Airstrikes hit Gaza City markets, a refugee camp, and schools.
- Wounded: At least 86 injured, many with severe trauma.
- Israel’s Plan: Gradual territorial expansion, aid control, and displacement of Palestinians.
- U.S. Visit: Offensive timing aligned with Trump’s upcoming Middle East visit.
- Hostage Crisis: Trump claims only 21 Israeli hostages are alive, causing backlash.
- Ceasefire Talks: Qatar and Egypt report stalled progress between Israel and Hamas.
- Humanitarian Crisis: Gaza faces starvation, limited aid, and rising civilian casualties.
- Houthi Conflict: Fighting escalates between Israel and Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Deep Look: Israeli Airstrikes Kill 92 in Gaza as Military Readies Larger Ground Operation
Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 92 people on Wednesday, marking one of the deadliest days in recent weeks and signaling a potential turning point in the nearly 20-month-long war. The strikes hit residential areas, markets, schools, and a refugee camp as Israel prepares to intensify its military campaign in the Hamas-controlled territory.
According to Palestinian health officials, dozens of the dead were women, children, and noncombatants, including a journalist and families sheltering in schools. Another 86 people were wounded, though the true toll is likely higher. The Israeli military declined to comment on the specific attacks.
Targeted Strikes and Rising Civilian Deaths
Among the dead was journalist Yahya Sobeih, who had recently posted a photo of his newborn daughter. Health officials said two strikes on a bustling Gaza City market left dozens of civilians dead. One victim was found seated in a chair inside a restaurant, while children lay motionless nearby.
In central Gaza, 33 people were killed in two separate strikes. Meanwhile, in Bureij refugee camp, a massive blaze erupted after a strike hit a school sheltering displaced civilians. 27 people died, including nine women and three children. Earlier attacks killed 16 more at another school-turned-shelter in Gaza City.
Hospitals including Al-Aqsa and Al-Ahli received scores of casualties, many with critical injuries. Gaza’s health system remains overwhelmed, under-resourced, and under siege.
Israel’s Expansion Plan and U.S. Visit
The bloodshed comes just days after Israel’s cabinet approved a gradual expansion plan for its campaign in Gaza. The plan involves seizing more territory, relocating civilians to southern Gaza, and handing over aid distribution to private security contractors. Tens of thousands of reservists are being called up, though the operation is not expected to begin until after President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the region.
With Israel already controlling about 50% of Gaza, the move signals a potential military occupation—a development that raises serious questions about governance, international law, and Israel’s long-term intentions in the enclave.
War Toll Passes 52,000 Deaths
Since the war began in late 2023 following a Hamas-led attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took around 250 hostages, the Gaza death toll has soared to over 52,000, according to local officials. Israel argues that Hamas embeds itself in civilian areas, complicating efforts to avoid noncombatant casualties. Palestinian health authorities do not distinguish between civilians and militants in their counts.
The most recent phase of the war began after Israel ended a temporary ceasefire in March, cutting off nearly all humanitarian aid—food, water, fuel—and resuming aggressive air and ground operations.
Hostage Dispute and Political Fallout
President Trump stirred outrage in Israel on Tuesday when he claimed that only 21 of the 59 remaining hostages in Gaza are still alive—a figure that conflicts with Israel’s official count of 24. An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, acknowledged “serious concern” for three of the captives but reiterated they are considered alive unless proven otherwise.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing relatives of captives, demanded transparency. In a statement on X, it urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to pause the war until hostages are returned, calling it “the most urgent and important national mission.”
Stalled Ceasefire Talks
Despite ongoing mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt, there’s been no progress in reaching a new truce. Israel insists it will not halt the war until Hamas is dismantled, while Hamas says it is prepared to release all hostages in exchange for an end to hostilities and a long-term truce.
The diplomatic gap remains wide, and the humanitarian crisis worsens by the day. Gaza’s 2.3 million residents are facing severe shortages of basic necessities, with aid routes heavily restricted.
Houthi Attacks and U.S. Policy Shift
The conflict has spilled into regional tensions, with Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen stepping up attacks on Israel. A ballistic missile launched by the Houthis landed near Ben Gurion International Airport, prompting Israeli retaliation with airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen’s capital.
On Tuesday, President Trump announced the U.S. will end its military campaign against the Houthis, citing their pledge to stop targeting American ships. However, the agreement does not include Israel, and an Israeli official expressed concern about the implications, calling the decision a surprise and potentially damaging to regional stability.
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