Local health authorities say Israel's military strike killed at least 50 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, with bombing escalating as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to visit the Middle East.
Medical staff said the majority of the dead, including women and children, were caused by a large number of air strikes in Israel that targeted several homes in the Jabbaria region of northern Gaza.
The Israeli military did not immediately comment and said it was trying to verify the reports.
Israeli News reported on Wednesday citing security officials that they believe Hamas military leader Mohammad Sinwar and other senior officials were killed during a strike on Tuesday, so much so that the Israeli military described it as a command and control bunker under the European hospital in the southern city of Khan City, the southern city.
Neither the Israeli military nor Hamas confirmed it. Witnesses and medical staff said Wednesday that Israeli air strikes attacked a bulldozer that approached a strike area at a European hospital and injured several people.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised this week that Israeli forces would soon enter Gaza with “all-out” to end Hamas. Thousands of Israeli reserve personnel have been summoned in recent weeks.
Late Tuesday, Islamic Jihad, an Iran-backed militant group in Gaza, formed an alliance with Hamas to launch rockets at Israel. Shortly after the Israeli strike began, the army issued evacuation orders to Jabbaria and the residents of the nearby Bate Rahia area.
Front burner28:32Trump watches in Israel, Gaza expands loom imminently
Worry about whose famine
Israel's escalating opposition to Palestinian hopes that Trump's visit could put pressure on downgrading violence. Hamas released Edan Alexander, the last famous American hostage, before Trump’s trip on Monday.
Speaking in Riyadh on Tuesday, Trump said more hostages will follow Alexander, adding that the Gaza people should have a better future.
Hamas freed Edan Alexander, believed to be the last American hostage in the United States, and people hope for a new ceasefire agreement before U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East. The trip began in Saudi Arabia, Qatar stopped, and this time, UAE Trump skipped Israel.
Hamas’ efforts to exchange responsibilities with Israel have been faltering in recent weeks. Hamas spoke with mediators from the United States, Egypt and Kathari to arrange for Alexander's release, and Israel has sent a team to Doha to start new talks.
Trump’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Adam Boehler met with the hostage family in Tel Aviv on Tuesday and said they could see a greater chance to release them after the deal with Alexander.
The United States has also proposed a plan to use private contractors to deliver humanitarian aid in Gaza. From March 2, Israel has created an overall blockade of materials entering Gaza and endorsed the plan. However, the United Nations and international aid agencies rejected it, and key details including funds and donors are unclear.
The World Health Organization warns that the risk of famine and mass hunger in Gaza is rising. Palestinian health officials said dozens of children have died of malnutrition since March and Israel has blocked all aid shipments.
According to Israeli factions, Israel's attack on southern Israeli communities on October 7, 2023 began an invasion of Gaza, killing about 1,200 people. Israel said overall 251 people were considered hostages in Gaza.
According to local health officials, the Israeli movement killed more than 52,900 Palestinians and destroyed small coastal enclaves. According to aid organizations and international agencies, its population is about 2.3 million on the brink of famine.
