100 Killed As Israel Launches New Offensive Strikes In Gaza

Israel has launched a new wave of “extensive strikes” in Gaza, with officials confirming over 100 people killed in the latest offensive.

The Israeli military said the operation, named “Operation Gideon’s Chariots”, marks the start of a broader push to defeat Hamas and rescue hostages still held in Gaza.

According to the army, more than 150 targets across Gaza were hit in the past 24 hours.

Gaza’s civil defense teams reported that 100 people were killed on Friday alone as airstrikes pounded the already devastated region.

This renewed military action began on March 18, ending a two-month pause in fighting that had followed the deadly October 7, 2023, Hamas attack inside Israel.

That attack killed 1,218 people, mostly civilians, and resulted in 251 hostages being taken.

Israeli authorities believe 57 of those hostages are still in Gaza, 34 of them presumed dead.

The latest operation comes as humanitarian conditions in Gaza worsen.

Aid groups have warned of a severe lack of food, clean water, fuel, and medicine. Many have urged Israel to lift its aid blockade on the territory.

International criticism is growing, with the United Nations’ human rights chief accusing Israel of trying to force a permanent population shift — a move he says could amount to ethnic cleansing.

Back in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing political pressure. Families of hostages argue that continued fighting is harming efforts to secure their loved ones’ release through negotiations.

Meanwhile, Hamas has called on the United States to pressure Israel into allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The group linked the appeal to the recent release of Edan Alexander, a U.S.-Israeli hostage, suggesting Washington now has more influence in the conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who is currently on a tour of the Middle East, acknowledged the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating: “A lot of people are starving.”

“We’re looking at Gaza. And we’re going to get that taken care of,” Trump told reporters in Abu Dhabi, on a regional tour that excluded key ally Israel.

The Arab League is meeting in Baghdad to address the situation, with Gaza expected to dominate the agenda.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has openly criticized Israel’s military campaign, are expected to take part.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, 2,985 people have died since Israel resumed its attacks in March. In total, more than 53,000 people have been killed in the war since it began.

KanyiDaily recalls that Israeli military recently revealed that Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader behind the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, was killed during their operations in Gaza.