Israeli strikes kill 59 in Gaza as military escalation looms

At least 59 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, according to hospital officials on Wednesday. The deadliest attack hit a school sheltering displaced people in Bureij refugee camp, killing 27. Another strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City killed 16 more, while additional strikes elsewhere claimed at least 16 lives.

The escalation comes as Israel prepares to intensify its campaign against Hamas, which includes plans to seize more territory, increase military presence, and control aid distribution. Tens of thousands of reservists are being called up, although implementation is expected after U.S. President Donald Trump’s regional visit.

Meanwhile, Trump sparked controversy in Israel by claiming only 21 of the 59 remaining hostages in Gaza are alive—contradicting Israeli figures.
Since the war began, over 52,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities.