JERUSALEM – Israeli forces launched a intense barrage of airstrikes and artillery fire on Gaza City overnight Friday into Saturday, escalating hostilities just hours after former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged an end to the bombardments and the Hamas militant group accepted a ceasefire proposal.
The renewed violence underscores the complex and volatile dynamics of the conflict, with Israel vowing to continue its military objectives despite international pressure and diplomatic maneuvering.
“A Very Violent Night” in Gaza
Gaza’s Civil Defense agency reported widespread destruction following one of the most intense nights of bombing in recent days. Rescue workers described scenes of chaos as they scrambled to search for casualties under the rubble of destroyed buildings.
“It was a very violent night, during which the (Israeli army) carried out dozens of airstrikes and artillery shelling on Gaza City and other areas in the Strip,” said Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for the agency. “This occurred despite President Trump’s call to halt the bombing.”
Bassal, whose rescue force operates under the authority of the Hamas-led government in Gaza, stated that at least 20 residential buildings were completely destroyed in the overnight onslaught. The number of casualties was still being assessed as emergency teams worked to reach affected areas.
Israel Defiant, Labels Gaza City a “Combat Zone”
The Israeli military confirmed its ongoing operations, showing no sign of de-escalation. In a statement on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emphasized that their offensive in Gaza City was continuing and issued a stern warning to displaced Palestinians.
“IDF troops are still operating in Gaza City, and returning to it is extremely dangerous,” said Colonel Avichay Adraee, the military’s Arabic-language spokesman, in a post on the social media platform X. “For your safety, avoid returning north or approaching areas of IDF troop activity anywhere — including in the southern Gaza Strip.”
The statement effectively designates large swathes of the territory, including areas previously declared safe for civilians, as active combat zones.
Political Pressure and a Rejected Truce
The night’s events unfolded against a backdrop of high-profile political intervention. Former President Donald Trump, a key ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his tenure, made a public appeal for a halt to the bombing. His statement added a new layer of political pressure from a figure traditionally seen as a staunch supporter of Israel’s hardline actions.
Simultaneously, Hamas announced its acceptance of a ceasefire deal brokered by regional mediators. However, Israeli officials immediately dismissed the proposal as a “ruse,” claiming it was a diluted version of an earlier agreement and did not meet their core security demands. Israel has insisted that any truce must allow for the continuation of its mission to dismantle Hamas’s military and governing capabilities and secure the release of all hostages held in Gaza.
A Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
The renewed strikes exacerbate a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The territory, already grappling with a severe shortage of food, clean water, medicine, and electricity, now faces further displacement and destruction of critical infrastructure. Aid agencies have repeatedly warned of a collapsing health system and the growing risk of famine.
The latest escalation suggests a protracted conflict lies ahead, with both sides entrenched in their positions. Israel appears determined to press its military advantage, while Hamas, despite significant losses, continues to exert influence and fire rockets into Israel. The international community, including the current U.S. administration, continues to call for a sustainable ceasefire, but a clear path to de-escalation remains elusive.
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