At least 82 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Friday, marking one of the deadliest days in recent weeks. The bombings stretched from the outskirts of Deir al-Balah to the city of Khan Younis, with thick smoke rising over refugee camps as terrified families fled their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs.
Most of the casualties were brought to the Indonesian Hospital, where overwhelmed medical staff reported at least 66 deaths. Another 16 bodies were taken to Nasser Hospital, local health officials confirmed.
The strikes came just as former U.S. President Donald Trump wrapped up a Middle East visit—one that pointedly skipped Israel. Speaking at a business event in Abu Dhabi, Trump briefly addressed the worsening crisis. “We’re looking at Gaza,” he said. “A lot of people are starving. A lot of bad things are going on. We’ve got to get that taken care of.”
Read Also: https://qnpost.com/eagles-cj-gardner-johnson-feuds-with-swift-fans/
Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed it had hit 150 targets overnight, claiming the strikes were aimed at Hamas fighters, missile sites, and military compounds. In northern Gaza, Israeli forces said they took out militants operating from an observation post.
But the air raids also tore through towns like Jabaliya and Beit Lahiya, sparking mass panic. “The army entered upon us, bombing, killing,” said Feisal Al-Attar, who escaped Beit Lahiya with his family. “We got out of the house with difficulty… we did not take anything.”
As civilians scramble for safety, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is promising more firepower. Earlier this week, he said the army is preparing for a full-scale ground push into Gaza, aiming to destroy Hamas “with great strength.”
An Israeli official—speaking anonymously—said Friday’s bombings were a “warning shot” ahead of a larger operation. The government is waiting on ceasefire talks in Qatar to show results, particularly on the release of hostages. If not, the next phase could begin “very soon.”
David Mencer, a spokesman for the Israeli government, confirmed the military is stepping up efforts as pressure mounts to bring home remaining hostages. “Our goal is to get them back and break Hamas’s grip on Gaza,” he told the Associated Press.
Families of the hostages are desperate for a breakthrough. In a statement, they urged Netanyahu to work with Trump and seize this “historic opportunity” for a deal. “Missing this chance would be remembered in infamy,” they warned.
The war, now stretching into its eighth month, began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched a fierce offensive that has, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, killed more than 53,000 Palestinians. Many were women and children.
Around 58 hostages are still believed to be held in Gaza. Of those, 23 are thought to be alive, though officials say they fear for the safety of several.
Read Also:Royal Marines Break the Mold Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins Takes Helm of Royal Navy Amid Turmoil
On top of the bombings, Gaza remains under a strict blockade. Food, fuel, and medical supplies are all being tightly restricted by Israel to pressure Hamas. The situation has left many families hungry, sick, and displaced—creating a worsening humanitarian disaster.
In response, a new aid group backed by the U.S., called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, is preparing to start deliveries by the end of the month. The group includes American military veterans and aid experts. But not everyone is on board—the United Nations and several NGOs say the plan doesn’t meet international aid standards and could do more harm than good.
For now, the people of Gaza remain trapped between airstrikes, a deepening crisis, and uncertain peace talks—hoping the world is still watching.