In a night marked by unrelenting violence, Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that Israeli forces launched dozens of airstrikes and artillery assaults on Gaza City—even after a ceasefire appeal was publicly supported by U.S. President Donald Trump.
“It was a very violent night,” said Mahmud Bassal, spokesperson for the Gaza civil defence force, which operates under Hamas authority. “The Israeli army carried out dozens of air strikes and artillery shelling on Gaza City and other areas in the Strip, despite President Trump’s call to halt the bombing.”
Bassal noted that at least 20 homes were destroyed in the overnight attacks. He described the current state of Gaza City as “very serious,” explaining that rescue teams were struggling to reach the injured due to the presence of tanks and continuous bombardment.
When contacted, the Israeli military simply stated that it was “checking” the reports regarding the assaults on Gaza City.
Meanwhile, the Baptist Hospital in Gaza confirmed it had received multiple casualties from a strike in the Tuffah neighborhood. Among the dead were four civilians, with several others injured. In the south, Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis reported the deaths of two children and injuries to eight more people after a drone strike hit a tent sheltering displaced families.
This escalation came despite a ceasefire initiative proposed by Trump earlier in the week. Backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the plan included key provisions such as:
- A 72-hour ceasefire
- The release of hostages
- The disarmament of Hamas
- A gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza
Hamas responded on Friday, expressing willingness to engage with the terms, particularly around releasing hostages. However, they insisted on participating in future negotiations and having a role in determining Gaza’s future.
