Israel Steps Up Gaza Bombing as Biden Urges It to Protect Civilians

Israel intensified its aerial bombing campaign on the Gaza Strip, striking more than 300 targets in the enclave over the past day, as President Biden and other Western leaders expressed support for Israel while urging it to protect civilians. The Israeli airstrikes, aimed at Hamas militants and their operational infrastructure following their Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, have mostly focused on northern Gaza ahead of a planned Israeli ground offensive. As the Israeli military stepped up its bombing campaign there, it again called on civilians to leave, warning that residents who remain could be considered allies of Hamas.