Israeli Strikes Kill 20 in Gaza as Trump Ends Mideast Visit Amid Escalating Conflict

Last Updated May - 16 - 2025, 01:49 PM | Source : Fela News

At least 20 killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza as President Trump concludes regional tour. Hopes for ceasefire fade amid rising death toll and ongoing blockad

At least 20 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes across northern Gaza on Friday morning, May 16, 2025, as U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his Middle East tour. The bodies were brought to the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, where an Associated Press journalist confirmed the count. Survivors reported that more victims remained trapped beneath the rubble.

The strikes—focused on areas like the Jabaliya refugee camp and Beit Lahiya—followed several days of heavy bombardment that, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, had already claimed more than 130 lives. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the latest attacks.

The escalation coincides with the final leg of President Trump’s regional trip, which included stops in Gulf countries but not Israel. There had been hope that his visit might lead to a ceasefire or the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, where an Israeli blockade has now lasted over three months.

Earlier in the week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to intensifying the military campaign in Gaza to eliminate Hamas, the militant group governing the territory. On May 13, he stated that Israeli forces were preparing to enter Gaza "with great strength."

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people in southern Israel. Israel’s response has since killed over 53,000 Palestinians, with nearly 3,000 deaths reported since a ceasefire ended on March 18. Hamas continues to hold 58 hostages, with only 23 believed to be alive.