Israel Gaza airstrikes overnight killed at least 100 Palestinians, Gaza officials said, as talks resumed with little progress.
The Israeli military has escalated air and ground operations across Gaza since Thursday. The intensified strikes, officials say, are meant to establish “operational control” over more of the strip in a continued push against Hamas.
Entire Families Wiped Out, Medical System Near Collapse
Gaza Health Ministry spokesperson Khalil Al-Deqran confirmed:
“Complete families were wiped off the civil registration record by Israeli bombardment.”
Hospitals are no longer equipped to handle the growing number of casualties. Fuel shortages and blocked aid deliveries have left 75% of Gaza’s ambulances out of service, and officials warn that all emergency vehicles could cease operating within 72 hours.
The Indonesian Hospital, one of the largest still functioning in northern Gaza, stopped operating on May 18 due to nearby Israeli strikes.
Tents Set Ablaze, Journalists Among Dead
In Khan Younis, a strike on a tent encampment housing displaced families killed women and children and wounded dozens. Separate incidents also killed at least five journalists and some of their families.
Among the dead is Zakaria Al-Sinwar, a university lecturer and brother to former Hamas chief Yehya Al-Sinwar. A strike in central Gaza killed him and three of his children.
Hamas Proposes Hostage Deal, But Ceasefire Remains Distant
Despite the violence, mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. resumed indirect ceasefire talks in an attempt to broker a truce. Hamas reportedly offered to release half of the remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
However, no breakthrough has been achieved.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing internal criticism. Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, posted on social media:
“They are deliberately tormenting us. Bring our children back already! All 58 of them.”
Humanitarian Conditions Worsen
The UN and medical organizations warn of worsening famine, especially with Israel’s continued blockade on medical, food, and fuel supplies since March.
Deqran added,
Hospitals are overwhelmed, and many patients are children.
Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest, urged for urgent blood donations as the number of casualties continues to climb.
Death Toll Surpasses 53,000
Since Hamas launched its attack on October 7, 2023, local health officials report that the conflict has killed more than 53,000 people in Gaza. Nearly all residents have fled their homes and now face food shortages and a lack of medical care.
The Israeli government insists its military campaign targets Hamas to dismantle the group’s capabilities. Still, the humanitarian toll has drawn increasing international concern and pressure.
Source: USA Today
