By Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The first stages of Israel’s large-scale offensive to take control of Gaza City are underway.
Civilians are bracing for even more violence, just hours after Palestinian officials said Israeli airstrikes on a Gaza hospital killed more than a dozen civilians.
Two devastating Israeli airstrikes hit the hospital Monday, the second captured live on Egyptian TV. The graphic video shows medical staff, rescuers, journalists and others rushing upstairs to help after the initial strike, before disappearing into rubble and smoke. The strikes killed five Palestinian journalists and at least 15 others, with dozens more injured- according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the strike a “tragic mishap” and said the military would investigate.
Inside Israel, tension is mounting as protesters flooded the streets Tuesday to demand a cease-fire and the release of hostages still held in Gaza. Of the 50 hostages still being held, only 20 are believed to still be alive. Tuesday’s protests broke out as Israel’s security cabinet convened Tuesday to discuss the military offensive into Gaza City.
“Most of the Israelis want this war to end and bring all the hostages back. This can’t go on anymore. We’re broken-hearted. It must stop now,” said Amos Kates, an Israeli protester speaking to CNN.
It’s unclear whether a 60-day ceasefire proposal, which has been accepted by Hamas, was up for discussion during the security cabinet meeting. Netanyahu has insisted Israel will only consider a full deal — one that ends the war and returns all hostages on Israel’s terms.
Speaking to reporters Monday, President Trump said he expects the conflict to be resolved in a matter of weeks.
“It’s got to get over with, because between the hunger and all of the other problems — worse than hunger, death, pure death, people being killed — it’s a terrible situation over there, terrible, terrible situation,” Trump said. “I think within the next two to three weeks, you’re going to have a pretty good conclusive ending.”
A United Nations–backed initiative warns parts of Gaza are already facing famine.
The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry says the total Palestinian death toll since Oct. 2023 is approaching 63,000.
