Israeli strikes kill 93 in Gaza as Trump ends Mideast trip

Displaced Palestinians fleeing Beit Lahia amid ongoing Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip arrive in Jabalia, northern Gaza, on Friday, May 16, 2025.

At least 93 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Friday, coinciding with the conclusion of US President Donald Trump's regional tour, which ended without a breakthrough on a Gaza ceasefire or humanitarian relief.

The overnight bombardment struck various areas, including the outskirts of Deir al-Balah and the city of Khan Younis. Health officials in Gaza reported hundreds more injured as a result of the latest escalation.

Trump’s visit to Gulf nations had raised hopes that his engagement might lead to de-escalation efforts or renewed aid for Gaza, which remains under a strict blockade entering its third month.

Speaking at a business forum in Abu Dhabi before wrapping up his trip, Trump briefly addressed the situation:
“We’re looking at Gaza,” he said. “And we’ve got to get that taken care of. A lot of people are starving. A lot of people are—there’s a lot of bad things going on.”

The Israeli military confirmed that it struck 150 targets over the past 24 hours, including anti-tank missile sites and militant infrastructure. In northern Gaza, it claimed to have eliminated several fighters operating from an observation compound.

The hours-long strikes forced residents to flee areas such as the Jabaliya refugee camp and the town of Beit Lahiya. Thick plumes of smoke filled the sky as civilians scrambled to escape with whatever they could carry—by foot, in cars, or on donkey carts.

“The army entered upon us, bombing, killing... We got out of the house with difficulty. There was killing and death everywhere. We didn’t take anything,” said Feisal Al-Attar, who fled from Beit Lahiya.

The bombardment followed several consecutive days of intense attacks, which local health authorities say have killed over 130 people earlier this week.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, earlier this week, reaffirmed his government’s plan to escalate the offensive in Gaza, reiterating the goal of dismantling Hamas, the group that governs the enclave.

“We are days away from entering Gaza with great strength to complete the mission,” Netanyahu said. “It means destroying Hamas.”