Israeli air strikes on Gaza killed at least 58 Palestinians overnight, according to local health officials. The attacks come as Israel prepares for a possible ground offensive.
Since 15 May, over 300 Palestinians have died in Israeli air raids. This marks one of the deadliest periods since a ceasefire collapsed in March. The latest strikes followed US President Donald Trump’s visit to the region, which ended on 16 May without progress on a new truce.
Dr Marwan Al-Sultan, director of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, described the situation as dire. “Since midnight, we have received 58 bodies. Many others remain under the rubble. The hospital is overwhelmed,” he said.
Israel signals expanded ground operation
On 16 May, the Israeli military confirmed that it had launched major air strikes. It also announced troop mobilisation for a possible expansion of ground operations. Officials say the goal is to gain control of key areas in Gaza.
These actions are part of “Operation Gideon’s Wagons”. Israel says the mission aims to dismantle Hamas and recover hostages. A defence official previously stated that the operation would not begin until after President Trump’s visit.
On 5 May, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was planning a wider military campaign. His security cabinet approved potential plans to take full control of Gaza and manage aid distribution.
Humanitarian crisis deepens in Gaza
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen. Since 2 March, Israel has blocked aid deliveries. The United Nations has warned of a looming famine. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher recently urged the Security Council to act and prevent what he called a potential genocide.
President Trump acknowledged Gaza’s growing food crisis on 16 May. He called for renewed efforts to deliver aid. International pressure is rising for Israel to resume ceasefire talks and lift its blockade.
Israel says it is targeting Hamas’s military and administrative systems. The group attacked Israeli communities on 7 October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages.
The conflict has devastated Gaza. Local health officials report over 53,000 deaths since the military campaign began. Almost all residents have been forced from their homes.
