Israel Intensifies Gaza Offensive; 108 Killed in Single Day

On May 16, 2025, Israeli airstrikes across Gaza resulted in the deaths of 108 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, according to local health officials. This escalation is part of "Operation Gideon's Chariots," aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks.

Israel carried out several air strikes in Gaza on Friday. According to local officials, 108 people were killed in these attacks, most of whom were women and children. The outskirts of Deir-al-Balah and the city of Khan Younis were also targeted in the attacks.

Israel-Gaza War

These attacks took place during US President Donald Trump's visit to the Gulf countries. During the visit, Trump stayed in three Gulf countries, but not in Israel. Speaking to reporters in Abu Dhabi on the last day of the visit, Trump said that he is trying to solve many global crises, including Gaza.

Israel said on Friday that its campaign against terrorists in Gaza continues and attacked 150 targets a day earlier. In this, anti-tank missile posts and military structures were demolished.

Many terrorists killed in northern Gaza

Israel said that it killed many terrorists in northern Gaza, who were running their operations from a compound. The attacks continued on Friday morning as well. People had to flee from the Jabalia refugee camp and the city of Beit Lahiya. Black smoke was seen rising above Jabalia.

The army is intensifying the operation

Israeli government spokesman David Menser said that the army is intensifying the operation. Our aim is to bring back the hostages and remove Hamas from power. He said that Israel will continue to put pressure on Hamas and it is getting results.

At the same time, the families of the hostages called on Netanyahu to support Trump's efforts to release the hostages. He said that missing this historic opportunity of an agreement to bring back the hostages would be a big failure.

Israel attacked two ports of Yemen

Israel attacked Yemen's Red Sea ports, Hodeida and Salif, on Friday. The Israeli military said the ports of Hodeida and Salif were being used to transfer weapons.

Israel has warned that if the Houthis continue to attack Israel, the terrorist group's leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi could be targeted.

Houthis are firing missiles at Israel

The Houthis have been firing missiles towards Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. The Israeli military said it had intercepted several missiles fired from Yemen towards Israeli airspace during Trump's visit to the region.