At least 93 killed in northern Gaza airstrikes just hours after Trump’s Middle East tour ends without a breakthrough in ceasefire talks.
By Joe D. | May 17, 2025
As President Donald Trump finished his high-profile Middle East visit without providing a ceasefire or hostage agreement, Northern Gaza was shaken by a succession of catastrophic Israeli airstrikes on Friday, killing at least 93 people and wounding many more. The fresh bloodshed ranks among the worst single days in the enclave since conflict started in March.
As casualties rise and residents beg for help, hopes for de-escalation seemed to vanish as fast as Air Force One vanished into the sky. Trump’s four-day journey across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates concluded without the breakthrough many international watchers had hoped.
Escalation Comes After Failed Ceasefire Attempt
The Israel Defense Forces verified as Trump left the area that it had started larger operations aimed at military targets all across Gaza. The attacks allegedly included aerial bombardments of thickly populated northern districts, sparking mass exodus. Local health officials say about 300 individuals have died only one week.
Israel’s action fits earlier alerts from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had indicated that a large-scale ground invasion would follow if no peace agreement was struck before Trump’s departure. Though both Israeli and American officials had voiced hope early in the week, talks allegedly fell up amid last-minute disagreements and unfulfilled requirements.
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Humanitarian Concerns and Civilian Toll
Civilians in places like Beit Lahia and Bilopillia have recounted nights of unending bombardment, hospitals overrun and emergency services struggling to keep pace. Amid Israel’s continuing embargo, aid organizations still report severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Leaflets dropped by Israeli military told people to run south; many claim there is no remaining safe area to escape.
Agreed upon earlier this month, American contractors’ planned distribution of food aid remains postponed. Responsible for civilian relief, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has requested Israeli officials to permit instant humanitarian deliveries until its infrastructure is prepared.
✡️ "America is the home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel by far, & we will defend our people… That's why we have taken unprecedented action to end the scourge of antisemitism in our streets and our schools and college campuses will be safe." –President Trump pic.twitter.com/mV3avyYaWk
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 16, 2025
No Deal, But No Complete Invasion Still
Israel has not yet officially declared the long-anticipated complete ground assault, though the attacks have been severe. Analysts say Netanyahu might be holding back given mixed messages from Washington. The Israeli leader had said earlier that military actions would persist on even if partial hostage releases were arranged, so complicating chances for a peace.
Trump, who had advocated a 30-day truce in exchange for a restricted swap of hostages, departed the area without formalizing any accord. Reports say his envoy’s ideas fell flat, and remarks from Abu Dhabi by the U.S. president showed both need and doubt.
