Yarden Bibas speaks of meeting Sinwar while in captivity • US intel suggests Israel preparing strike on Iran's nuclear facilities

Israeli strikes continued to pound the Gaza Strip Wednesday (May 21, 2025), despite a surge in international anger at Israel's widening offensive. The attacks killed at least 82 people, including several women and a week-old infant, according to the Gaza Health Ministry and area hospitals.

Israel pressed ahead Tuesday with its new military offensive in Gaza despite mounting international criticism, launching airstrikes that health officials said killed at least 85 Palestinians. Israeli officials said they also allowed in dozens more trucks carrying aid.

Over the past few months, an Israeli military operation has displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians in West Bank cities. Some Palestinians fear it may be laying the ground to annex the territory.

Israel's military killed five Palestinian militants in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, hours after a pregnant settler was killed in a shooting, as hardline pro-settler leaders including a government minister called for Palestinian towns to be razed.

The UN's humanitarian chief welcomes the move but says it is only "a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed".

A monthslong Israeli military operation in the northern West Bank has displaced tens of thousands of people. Some are now learning they may not return.