Israel army warns of ‘larger’ Gaza assault as strikes kill 55

Israeli air strikes in Gaza on Thursday resulted in at least 55 deaths, prompting military threats of a larger offensive if hostages taken by Hamas during an October 7 attack are not released. The military’s resumed assaults followed the collapse of a two-month ceasefire, with evacuation orders issued for northern Gaza ahead of planned attacks. The ongoing conflict has led to 1,978 casualties since operations resumed, contributing to a total death toll of 51,355, while the UN warns of forced population transfers due to expanding Israeli evacuation orders.