Israeli Strikes Intensify in Gaza Amid Calls for ‘Freedom Zone’

Gaza City, Gaza Strip — The Israeli military intensified its operations across Gaza on May 15, 2025, resulting in more than 100 casualties. The strikes occurred amid discussions led by U.S. President Donald Trump on establishing a ‘freedom zone’ in the region.

Most of the deaths were reported in Jabalya in northern Gaza and in Khan Younis, according to the Gaza Civil Defense. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aims to eradicate Hamas, promising to retain military control over more territories. ‘There will be no in-and-out,’ he stated earlier this month. ‘We’ll call up reserves to come, hold territory.’

The current offensives coincide with apparent disagreements between the Israeli and U.S. governments. Last week, President Trump voiced his desire to end the ‘brutal war’ in Gaza, having previously omitted Israel from discussion during his Middle East tour. He also made bilateral deals with militant groups, one of which involved Hamas releasing an Israeli hostage.

During a speech in Qatar, Trump proposed transforming Gaza into a ‘freedom zone.’ ‘I have concepts for Gaza that I think are very good,’ he said. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that the death toll since October 2023 has surpassed 53,000.

Mahmoud Basal, a Civil Defense spokesman, confirmed that more than 100 were killed on Thursday alone in various locations, including a family of six in Jabalya, where an Israeli bombardment hit a clinic crowded with civilians. ‘We are reporting more than 100 martyrs,’ Basal said.

As casualties climbed, hospitals in Gaza prepared for an influx of injured, with 152 reported as wounded in the same period. In Khan Younis, 11 family members lost their lives in an airstrike, with one survivor, Ahmad Al-Safi, recalling his shock when the bombing occurred. ‘I was sleeping and thought the house fell on us,’ he said.

The IDF continues to issue evacuation orders, most recently targeting neighborhoods in central Gaza, while UN agencies express alarm over the deteriorating civilian conditions. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stated that the blockade and ongoing bombings could lead to famine in Gaza.

Despite international criticism of the blockade on aid, Netanyahu remains steadfast in his approach. He noted that the destruction of homes may prompt Gazans to leave. ‘The only inevitable outcome will be the desire of Gazans to emigrate outside of the Gaza Strip,’ he remarked.

Negotiations for a ceasefire appear stalled, with both sides being urged to consider humanitarian assistance. Hamas, too, has urged for immediate aid access following the release of a hostage.

The ongoing violence raises complex questions about the future of Gaza amidst conflicting international proposals and local responses.