At least 140 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza within the past 24 hours, marking a significant escalation as Israel appears ready to initiate a major offensive in the besieged region.
Palestinian health officials report that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in over 300 fatalities since Thursday, making this one of the deadliest periods of the ongoing conflict since ceasefire discussions collapsed in March. These intensified bombing campaigns coincide with Israel’s complete blockade of humanitarian aid, raising fears of a potential famine in the territory.
“Since midnight, we have received 58 martyrs, while a large number of victims remain under the rubble. The situation inside the hospital is catastrophic,” stated Marwan al-Sultan, the director of the Indonesian hospital in northern Gaza, early Saturday. The latest toll stands at approximately 146 deaths, according to Reuters.
The surge in violence has drawn sharp condemnation from UN human rights chief Volker Türk, who asserted on Friday that the bombing campaign aims to displace Palestinians and constitutes ethnic cleansing. “This latest barrage of bombs … and the denial of humanitarian assistance underline that there appears to be a push for a permanent demographic shift in Gaza that is in defiance of international law and is tantamount to ethnic cleansing,” he remarked.
Türk’s remarks were echoed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who called for a permanent ceasefire while attending an Arab League summit in Baghdad on Saturday.
Israel, meanwhile, has described the airstrikes as part of the initial phases of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, an expansion of its campaign designed to “achieve all of the war goals in Gaza.” These strikes are corroborated by a substantial military buildup along Gaza’s borders, aimed at establishing “operational control” over parts of the territory.
According to Israel officials, the military campaign and the blockade of aid to Gaza are intended to compel Hamas to release hostages. Hamas has retained approximately 250 hostages since its attack on Israel in October 2023, a conflict that resulted in around 1,200 Israeli deaths. Currently, 57 hostages are still held captive.
The escalation follows Donald Trump’s departure from the Middle East after a four-day tour of Arab Gulf countries, where Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar committed to investing billions in the US. However, hopes for renewed progress in ceasefire talks were dashed when Trump reiterated his ambition to transform Gaza into a “freedom zone,” suggesting a prospective US-led control over the territory.
After a ceasefire brokered in January unraveled in March, following Israel’s refusal to advance to an agreed second phase that could have led to a peaceful resolution, the prospects for a lasting truce appear increasingly remote. In early May, Israel’s security cabinet approved plans that may involve the annexation of the entire Gaza Strip.
Ceasefire discussions are expected to be a focal point at the Arab League summit, where Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein announced that participating ministers would support a reconstruction plan for Gaza, contrasting sharply with Trump’s vision to control the area. Ministers pledged $40 million in reconstruction aid for both Gaza and Lebanon.
On Saturday, Hamas confirmed that fresh ceasefire negotiations were underway in Doha, Qatar, with group official Taher al-Nono stating that both sides were discussing all issues without “pre-conditions.”
According to Palestinian health authorities, Israel’s offensive in Gaza—launched in retaliation for the October 2023 attacks—has claimed approximately 53,000 lives. The humanitarian crisis has intensified, with widespread hunger and malnutrition among children as vital aid has been cut off since March 2. Medical care in Gaza has severely declined due to bombing and limited supplies.
The UN aid chief, Tom Fletcher, urged for the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza during a recent UN Security Council address, warning that famine looms. Although Israel has denied that its blockade has contributed to hunger in Gaza, Trump admitted on Thursday that “a lot of people are starving in Gaza.”
In response to claims that Hamas diverts aid for military purposes, Israel has proposed a plan to distribute assistance from locations managed by private contractors, safeguarded by Israeli troops. The US has endorsed this initiative, which the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is expected to implement by the end of the month. However, aid organizations have criticized the plan as impractical and potentially illegal, advocating instead for the reinstatement of the blockade and reliance on established humanitarian channels.
“We can save hundreds of thousands of survivors,” Fletcher emphasized. “We have rigorous mechanisms to ensure our aid gets to civilians, and not to Hamas.”
European Council President António Costa expressed his shock at the situation in Gaza, stating, “Shocked by the news from Gaza: starving civilians, hospitals hit again by strikes. The violence must stop!”
Germany’s Foreign Ministry expressed “deep concern” over the conditions in Gaza, highlighting that the ongoing offensive “could put the lives of the remaining hostages, including those of German hostages, in danger.” They further noted that “A broad military offensive also risks worsening further the catastrophic humanitarian situation for Gaza’s population and the remaining hostages.”