Wed May 07 18:00:26 UTC 2025: **Gaza Death Toll Rises as Israel Prepares for Intensified Offensive**
**Deir Al-Balah, Gaza Strip –** Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed at least 92 Palestinians, including women, children, and a journalist, in the latest escalation of the 20-month conflict. The strikes, which included attacks on a crowded market and a school sheltering displaced civilians, have brought the overall death toll in Gaza to over 52,000, according to Palestinian officials.
Two airstrikes on Wednesday alone killed at least 33 people and wounded 86, with health officials suggesting the true number of casualties is likely higher. Israel has yet to comment officially on the attacks. These actions follow Israel’s announcement of a plan to intensify operations in Gaza, potentially seizing the territory and forcibly displacing Palestinians. Tens of thousands of reserve soldiers have been called up to support this planned escalation. The implementation of this plan is contingent upon the conclusion of U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the region later this month.
The ongoing conflict has also seen an attack on a school sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinians, resulting in at least 27 deaths. The uncertainty surrounding the fate of hostages held by Hamas further complicates the situation, with differing accounts from Israel and U.S. President Trump on the number of surviving captives. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum is demanding a halt to the conflict until all hostages are returned.
Mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt are ongoing, but significant differences remain between Israel, which aims to dismantle Hamas’ capabilities, and Hamas, which seeks a ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages. Simultaneously, the conflict has expanded, with escalating clashes between Israel and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen following a Houthi missile attack on Israel’s main international airport. While the U.S. has reached a deal with the Houthis to cease targeting U.S. ships, Israel remains unconcerned and continues to face attacks from the Houthi rebels. The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation and a significantly higher death toll.
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