At least 70 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed in a fresh wave of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, according to the enclave’s civil defence authorities.
The attacks, which targeted multiple areas including the densely populated Jabalia camp, come amid growing warnings of a humanitarian catastrophe.
Health officials in Gaza reported that dozens more were injured, many critically, as rescue teams struggled to reach those trapped under rubble.
The escalation follows renewed military operations by Israel aimed at dismantling what it claims are underground Hamas command centres.
In the southern city of Khan Younis, Israel said it conducted a precision strike on a suspected Hamas tunnel complex beneath the European Hospital.
While there is speculation that top Hamas commander Mohammad Sinwar may have been among those killed, Israeli officials say identification is still underway.
The intensifying bombardment has compounded fears of mass starvation.
Humanitarian groups say over 90% of Gaza’s population lacks access to clean water and sufficient food, with aid deliveries blocked or delayed due to the fighting.
The United Nations and other agencies have urged an immediate ceasefire to allow relief efforts to resume.
This latest escalation coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump’s ongoing Middle East tour, which notably excludes Israel.
Political analysts say the timing of the military campaign could be aimed at sending a strategic message during his diplomatic visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
Global condemnation is mounting. French President Emmanuel Macron denounced the airstrikes as “shameful,” prompting a swift rebuke from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused Macron of siding with Hamas.
With ceasefire talks at a standstill and Israeli reservists reportedly refusing deployment over moral concerns, the region remains on edge.
