Israeli strikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of more than 90 people in just 48 hours, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, as Israeli troops intensify their attacks to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages and disarm.
Among those killed overnight, 15 included children and women, many of whom were sheltering in a designated humanitarian zone, as reported by hospital staff.
In the southern city of Khan Younis, at least 11 people were killed, several of whom were in a tent in the Muwasi area, where hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals have taken refuge. This area has been designated by Israel as a humanitarian zone.
Mourners were seen cradling and kissing the faces of the deceased; one brother was heard crying out, “Omar is gone … I wish it was me.”
Furthermore, four additional fatalities were recorded in Rafah city, including a mother and her daughter, according to the European Hospital, where the bodies were taken.
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military regarding these strikes.
Israel has committed to intensifying attacks across Gaza and occupy large “security zones” indefinitely within the small coastal strip, which is home to over 2 million individuals.
According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, he is expected to issue a statement later in the evening, although no immediate details have been provided.
For the past six weeks, Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza, preventing the entry of food and other essential goods.
Aid organizations have raised concerns this week, stating that thousands of children are becoming malnourished, and most people are barely able to eat one meal a day as supplies continue to dwindle, according to the United Nations.
On Friday, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, the head of the World Health Organization’s eastern Mediterranean office, urged the new U.S. ambassador in Israel, Mike Huckabee, to advocate for the lifting of Gaza’s blockade to allow for medicines and other aid to enter the region.
“I would wish for him to go in and see the situation firsthand,” she said.
During his first official appearance as ambassador on Friday, Huckabee visited the Western Wall, the holiest Jewish prayer site located in Jerusalem’s Old City. He placed a prayer into the wall, which he claimed was handwritten by U.S. President Donald Trump, and asserted that every effort was being made to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when militants associated with Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals.
Most hostages have been released through ceasefire agreements or other negotiations, but Hamas still holds 59 hostages, with 24 of them believed to be alive.
The ongoing Israeli offensive has led to the deaths of over 51,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
This war has devastated large segments of Gaza and its food production capabilities. Approximately 90% of the population is now displaced, with numerous individuals residing in tent camps as well as bombed-out structures.
As frustrations mount on both sides following Israel’s breach of a ceasefire last month, there have been rare public protests against Hamas in Gaza, alongside continued weekly rallies in Israel urging the government to negotiate a comprehensive deal to secure the release of all hostages.
A growing movement of retired and reservist Israeli soldiers is now advocating for an end to the ongoing conflict.
image source from：https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-04-19-2025-5e80a0efc0b267515ec88aec4c3672d1
