54 Killed in Overnight Airstrikes on Southern Gaza

At least 54 people were killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes on the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, marking the second consecutive night of intense bombing across the besieged territory.

Local hospitals reported that numerous bodies, some in fragments, were brought to Khan Younis’ Nasser Hospital following a series of strikes. The hospital’s morgue confirmed the death toll, stating that multiple families were among the victims.

Among the dead was a journalist and 11 members of his family, all killed in one of the strikes, according to sources in the city.

The Israeli military has not issued a statement regarding the latest attacks.

These strikes follow a deadly wave of air raids on Wednesday that claimed at least 70 lives in northern and southern Gaza, including nearly two dozen children.

The escalation coincides with a regional visit by U.S. President Donald Trump, who is touring Gulf countries but has not scheduled a stop in Israel. Hopes that the trip might lead to a ceasefire or renewed humanitarian aid have so far gone unfulfilled. Israel’s blockade of Gaza has entered its third month, severely restricting the entry of food, fuel, and medical supplies.

Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to intensify the military campaign in Gaza, declaring that Israeli forces would soon move in "with great strength" to destroy Hamas.

International human rights organisations have condemned the ongoing military campaign. One group warned that Israel’s strategy of capturing Gaza and displacing its population was edging “closer to extermination,” and urged the international community to act under the Genocide Convention.

The war, now in its eighth month, began after Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people during an October 7 incursion into southern Israel. In response, Israel launched a massive military operation that has killed nearly 53,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. The toll includes a large number of women and children, though officials do not distinguish between civilians and combatants in their figures.

Since the collapse of a ceasefire on March 18, nearly 3,000 more Palestinians have been killed. Gaza’s civilian infrastructure lies in ruins, and about 90% of its population has been displaced, many multiple times.

Aid agencies warn of an impending famine. Since March 2, Israel has halted the entry of all humanitarian supplies into the enclave. According to global food security experts, nearly half a million Palestinians are on the brink of starvation, while an additional one million are facing extreme food shortages.

Rights groups have also called on Hamas to release the 58 hostages still held in Gaza from the October 7 attacks. Of those, 23 are believed to be alive, though Israeli officials have raised concerns over the condition of at least three of them.

Israel denies accusations of genocide and maintains that its actions are aimed at dismantling Hamas and ensuring its own security.