Counterterror operation in Gaza: 58 militants down

Israel's air force killed at least 58 Palestinians in new overnight strikes on Gaza, most of them reportedly Islamist militants.

IDF said on Saturday it is conducting extensive strikes and mobilizing troops as part of preparations to expand operations in the Gaza Strip and achieve "operational control" in areas of the Palestinian enclave.

The escalation, which includes the build-up of armoured forces along the border, is part of the initial stages of "Operation Gideon's Wagons", which Israel says is aimed at defeating Hamas and getting its hostages back.

An Israeli defence official said earlier this month that the operation would not be launched before Trump concluded his visit to the Middle East.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on May 5 that Israel was planning an expanded, intensive offensive against Hamas as his security cabinet approved plans that could involve seizing the entire Gaza Strip and controlling aid.

Israel's declared goal in Gaza is the elimination of the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas, which attacked Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and seizing about 250 hostages.