A wave of airstrikes in Gaza has killed at least 40 people across the Palestinian territory over the past 24 hours, with civil defense officials confirming the devastating toll. The strikes, which come as Israel’s government prepares to expand its military operations, have raised concerns about a growing humanitarian crisis.
According to reports, nine people were killed when a strike hit a home in the Bureij refugee camp, while six more died in separate strikes targeting family homes in Beit Lahiya and Gaza City. The attacks also targeted a community kitchen, killing six people.
The escalating violence comes as Israel resumes its bombing campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in at least 2,326 deaths since March 18, when the fragile ceasefire ended. Hamas has denied accusations of using civilians as human shields and stealing aid to fund its military operations.
Aid officials have warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, with famine looming once again. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has sounded the alarm about the “total collapse” of the humanitarian response in Gaza.
Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is reportedly set to approve a new broader offensive and plan for aid distribution in Gaza involving private contractors and “hubs”. However, humanitarian officials have described the proposal as impractical and unethical.
US President Donald Trump is expected to push Israel for concessions on aid entering Gaza before his visit to Saudi Arabia and other countries. Analysts are divided over whether warnings issued to tens of thousands of Israeli reservists are a precursor to further military action or part of a genuine effort to negotiate with Hamas.
The situation in Syria is also deteriorating, with repeated airstrikes by Israel and clashes between militant groups. The Syrian government has condemned recent attacks on the country, which Israel says were intended to protect the Druze minority.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/03/israeli-airstrikes-gaza-death-toll-bureij-beit-lahiya-khan-younis