Israel-Hamas war live updates: IDF to step up airstrikes on Gaza

Israel plans to intensify airstrikes on the Gaza Strip in preparation for the “next stages of the war” in its bid to remove Hamas from power there, Israel Defense Forces spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said, according to the Associated Press. Egypt’s Rafah crossing briefly opened over the weekend, allowing 20 aid trucks into Gaza but not for the departure of civilians. The aid that reached Gaza — the first since the war began — was just a fraction of what is needed, the U.N. office for humanitarian affairs said, with five other U.N. agencies describing the humanitarian situation as “now catastrophic.” At least 400 U.S. citizens are trapped in Gaza, while Palestinians and other nationals are unable to flee the fighting.