IDF Intensifies Strikes on Gaza, Yemen
Israel ramped up strikes on both Gaza and Yemen on Friday. The Israeli military said Friday afternoon it had carried out more than 150 airstrikes in Gaza, which Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry said killed over 100 people, many of them women and children. In Yemen, Israeli strikes on two Houthi-controlled ports killed one and injured nine, according to Houthi authorities.
The attacks coincided with the end of US President Donald Trump’s trip to the Middle East, which included visits to Gulf countries but not Israel. Trump’s visit had raised hopes for a potential ceasefire or hostage deal, but no breakthrough emerged.
Give the gift of hope
We practice what we preach:
accurate, fearless journalism. But we can't do it alone.
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
- On the ground in Gaza
- Covering Israel, Syria, Lebanon
- More than 100 students
- Exposing fake news
Join us. Support The Media Line. Save democracy.
The Hostage Families Forum on Friday expressed its dismay that an expanded military operation in Gaza was being prioritized over the return of the remaining hostages. “Israel will find itself isolated and sinking in the Gaza quagmire. Missing this historic opportunity is a resounding Israeli failure,” the families wrote.
Israel insists that the strikes on Gaza are meant as a pressure campaign to force Hamas to return the hostages. Israeli strikes on Friday hit Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, and the Jabaliya refugee camp, sending residents fleeing on foot, in cars, and by donkey cart.
An Israeli official warned that a broader ground operation could begin soon if no deal is reached.
Meanwhile, Israeli fighter jets targeted two Houthi-controlled ports in western Yemen, which the Israeli military said were used to transfer weapons. Commenting on the strikes, Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened to kill Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi if attacks on Israel persist.
