Israeli strikes hit Gaza as Trump warns of starvation

Israeli strikes on Gaza have killed more than 250 people since Thursday morning, local health authorities said yesterday, one of the deadliest phases of bombardment since a truce collapsed in March, with a new ground offensive expected soon.

- NIDAL AL MUGHRABI JAMES MACKENZIE

Donald Trump, who ended a Middle East tour yesterday with no apparent progress towards a new ceasefire as Israel steps up its military campaign, acknowledged Gaza’s growing hunger crisis and the need for aid deliveries.

“We have to help also out the Palestinians. You know, a lot of people are starving in Gaza, so we have to look at both sides,” he said. When asked if he backed Israel’s war plans, Mr Trump said he expected “good things” over the next month.

Yesterday’s air and artillery strikes were focused on the northern section of the tiny, crowded enclave, where dozens of people including women and children were killed overnight, said Gaza Health Ministry spokesperson Khalil al-Deqran.

Israel has intensified its bombardment and built up armoured forces along the border despite growing international pressure for it to resume ceasefire talks and end its blockade of Gaza, where warnings of famine are growing.

Just before midnight yesterday, the Israeli military said that during the last day forces began launching extensive strikes and transferring forces to seize control over areas within the Gaza Strip.