At least 41 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli raids across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, hospital sources said, as Trump claimed 10 hostages would be released “very shortly”.
Among the dead are 12 people who were reportedly waiting for food aid when they were targeted, according to medical staff.
More than 100 others have been injured in the latest attacks, which struck several neighbourhoods and aid distribution areas across the besieged enclave.
Emergency workers said the number of casualties may rise, as some of the wounded are in critical condition.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed that 10 more Israeli captives will be released “very shortly”, though he gave no details or timeline.
Speaking at a dinner with lawmakers at the White House on Friday night, Trump praised the efforts of his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
“We got most of the hostages back. We’re going to have another 10 coming very shortly, and we hope to have that finished quickly,” he said.
Trump has repeatedly claimed a ceasefire and release deal is near, though no agreements have materialised.
Israel’s war on Gaza
Israel has carried out a devastating military campaign in Gaza since late October 2023, killing at least 58,667 Palestinians, the majority of them women and children.
The relentless bombardment has levelled much of the besieged enclave, creating severe food shortages, collapsing health infrastructure, and fuelling the spread of disease.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
