Israeli Strikes Kill at Least 85 in Gaza as Global Leaders Renew Calls for Ceasefire

What Happened?

Israeli strikes continue to pound across the Gaza Strip after attacks killed at least 85 Palestinians over a 24-hour period.

Two family homes where women and children were among the 18 dead, and a school-turned-shelter were reportedly among the areas hit Tuesday.

Israeli forces press forward with their new military plans against Hamas, despite growing calls from world leaders for a ceasefire.

The latest attacks come as Israel has faced mounting pressure to allow humanitarian aid into the enclave over concerns of a hunger crisis.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Oren Marmorstein, said that Israel would continue to allow access for dozens of trucks carrying aid per day.

The United Nations stated that the number of trucks is just a 'drop in the ocean' of what is needed.

That number is reportedly far less than the 600 per day that entered during the latest ceasefire.

Why it Matters

Israeli strikes have killed more than 500 people in the past eight days, according to medics in Gaza.

The United Kingdom announced trade negotiation pauses with Israel, sanctioned West Bank settlers, and summoned the Israeli ambassador due to Israel’s intensified operation in the West Bank.

In a statement, the British Foreign Office said, 'Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the UK and Israel are on formal pause… effective immediately.'

British officials added that it is not possible to advance such discussions with a 'Netanyahu government that is pursuing egregious policies in the West Bank and Gaza.'

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that he, along with the leaders of Canada and France, was 'horrified' by Israel's military escalation.

They have all repeated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and have warned of taking 'concrete actions' if Israel does not stop.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed it would 'continue to defend itself by just means until total victory.'

How it Affects You

Israel began allowing limited amounts of humanitarian aid into Gaza after a two-month blockade.

But Netanyahu stated that Israel will seek to control the whole of Gaza, potentially affecting over 2 million people.

He pledged to achieve 'complete victory' as death tolls continue to rise.

Netanyahu said the scenes of hunger were draining vital support and bringing Israel close to a 'red line.'

It's a shift as global leaders have begun to speak out against possible ethnic cleansing and the permanent displacement of millions of Gazans.

Israel's new campaign dubbed 'Operation Gideon's Chariots' is being criticized by close allies who are looking to see peace.

President Donald Trump said, 'good things' are expected over the next month, when asked if he backed Israel's war plans.

After concluding a Middle East tour, it will be key to see if President Trump follows suit with other global leaders to help revive ceasefire efforts in Gaza.