Israel's military said Tuesday (Jul 1) that it had expanded its operations in Gaza, where residents reported fierce gunfire and shelling days ahead of a planned trip to Washington by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli strikes inside Gaza left dozens dead over the weekend, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The strikes come just days after President Trump claimed a ceasefire deal could happen this week.

At least 74 people were killed in some of the heaviest Israeli strikes on Gaza in weeks as the besieged Palestinian territory continued to endure relentless bombardment 20 months into the war. The Israeli military issued evacuation orders on Monday to the remaining populations of several large districts in northern Gaza,