At least 146 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza in the past 24 hours, with hundreds more wounded, according to local health officials on Saturday.
The surge in violence comes as Israel appears poised to launch a new ground offensive in the besieged enclave.
The latest wave of attacks, among the deadliest since the collapse of a ceasefire in March, coincided with the conclusion of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East visit, which ended without any apparent progress toward renewing peace talks.
“Since midnight, we have received 58 martyrs, and many victims remain trapped under the rubble. The situation at the hospital is catastrophic,” said Marwan Al-Sultan, director of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza.
In the past 24 hours, 459 people have been injured in Israeli strikes, Gaza’s health ministry reported.
The Israeli military confirmed it is carrying out widespread strikes and mobilizing troops in preparation to expand operations and secure “operational control” within parts of Gaza.
After 19 months of war, Gaza’s health infrastructure is on the verge of collapse, with repeated attacks on hospitals and critical shortages of medical supplies due to a tightened Israeli blockade since March.
The military build-up is part of “Operation Gideon’s Wagons,” aimed at defeating Hamas and rescuing hostages.
Israeli officials had earlier indicated the operation would not begin until after Trump’s visit.
“We are gradually building up forces. Hamas remains defiant,” the Israeli army said.
UN experts have warned of imminent famine in Gaza, now 76 days into an aid blockade.
UN aid chief Tom Fletcher urged the Security Council to act to “prevent genocide.” Trump acknowledged Gaza’s worsening hunger crisis on Friday and stressed the need for aid deliveries.
A U.S.-backed foundation plans to begin distributing aid by late May through private American logistics firms.
However, the UN has refused to partner with the foundation, citing concerns over its neutrality and independence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on May 5 that the government was preparing for an expanded offensive against Hamas, including the potential seizure of the entire Gaza Strip.
On Friday, Israel instructed civilians in northern Gaza to evacuate to the south following heavy bombardment of Beit Lahia and the Jabalia refugee camp.
However, tanks were seen advancing toward the southern city of Khan Younis.
Israel’s stated goal is to dismantle Hamas’s military and governing capabilities. Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages.
The war has devastated Gaza, displacing nearly all of its 2 million residents and killing over 53,000 people, according to local authorities.
Meanwhile, NBC News reported that the Trump administration is working on a controversial plan to permanently relocate up to one million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya.
Both Hamas and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas have strongly rejected any proposals involving forced displacement.
