Israel Intensifies Gaza Assault Amid Trump’s Visit, Signals Expanded Ground Operation

According to Israeli officials and security sources, these “unprecedented” attacks are a clear signal of Israel’s intent to expand the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Israeli warplanes and artillery launched a series of intense raids overnight and into early Friday, especially targeting northern Gaza. Eyewitnesses and medical sources described them as some of the most violent attacks since the genocide began on October 7, 2023.

Israel Signals Escalation with Deadly Strikes as Ceasefire Prospects Dim

Initial reports from Gaza’s civil defense indicate that over 100 Palestinians—mostly children and women—were killed, with dozens more injured.

Israel’s Channel 12 described the situation as an “unusual wave of attacks,” noting that explosions were so intense they were felt even in Beersheba, some 42 kilometers from the Strip. The attacks, it said, are meant to affirm Israel’s plan to expand its genocidal campaign.

A security source told the outlet that the bombing serves as a message to Hamas: this is Israel’s “final opportunity” for a deal before a major escalation.

Hamas has expressed willingness to exchange all Israeli captives in return for a full ceasefire, Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners. However, Netanyahu’s government refuses to end the war and continues to block humanitarian aid for over 70 days.

The same source said the strikes are a prelude to a wide-scale ground invasion by infantry and armored forces. Channel 12 added that the army is preparing for a potential order to increase the level of aggression and begin a broader campaign in Gaza.

Channel 13 also reported “intensified, unprecedented shelling from northern to southern Gaza,” stating Israel is preparing to escalate as hostage negotiations in Qatar stall.

Worsening Civilian Toll Amid Stalled Negotiations

Yedioth Ahronoth reported online that Israeli forces significantly ramped up airstrikes Thursday night through Friday, targeting mainly the northern Strip amid deadlocked ceasefire talks.

Officials cited in the report said the bombardment may be laying the groundwork for a full-scale ground operation if the Qatar-mediated negotiations fail.

Earlier Friday, families of Israeli captives in Gaza warned Netanyahu’s government not to miss the chance for a hostage deal and ceasefire. In a statement posted on X, they wrote:
“Families of the hostages awoke today filled with fear and dread amid reports of increased attacks and the nearing end of Trump’s visit to the region.”

They added:
“All signs point to Israel being just hours away from the ‘miss of the century.’ Instead of returning the hostages, joining a regional diplomatic push, and ending the war, Israel risks being isolated and stuck in the Gaza quagmire.”

The families described the missed opportunity as “a historic failure,” warning that sabotaging proposals on the table will be remembered by future generations.

Escalation Coincides with Trump’s Gulf Tour

Israel has dramatically increased its attacks on Gaza during President Trump’s Middle East tour, which began Tuesday. In just the first three days of his visit, the Israeli military killed around 260 Palestinians—up from 78 in the previous three days—according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

The massacres followed a statement by Trump claiming that the people of Gaza “deserve a better future.”

Hebrew media had falsely claimed Israel would ease attacks during Trump’s regional tour, which began in Saudi Arabia and continues through Qatar and the UAE.

The first phase of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and Israel ended in early March. That deal had started on January 19, 2025, with Egyptian, Qatari, and U.S. mediation.

While Hamas upheld its end, Netanyahu—who is wanted by international justice—backed away from the second phase, bowing to pressure from far-right members of his ruling coalition.

Israel estimates there are currently 58 Israeli captives in Gaza, including 20 alive. Meanwhile, Israeli prisons hold over 10,100 Palestinians, many suffering torture, starvation, and medical neglect—some fatally—according to rights reports.

Since October 7, 2023, with full U.S. support, Israel has carried out a genocide in Gaza, resulting in approximately 173,000 Palestinians killed or injured—mostly children and women—with over 11,000 still missing.