Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 17 individuals early on Friday, including children, as reported by hospital workers. In the Jabaliya refugee camp, located in an urban area, 10 people lost their lives, eight of whom were from the same household, as confirmed by the Indonesian Hospital. Meanwhile, in the southern city of Khan Younis, seven more fatalities were reported, including a pregnant woman, according to Nasser Hospital.
These strikes occurred just a day after more than 24 fatalities were recorded in Gaza, as Israel intensifies its operations to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages and disarming. Concurrently, the new U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, made his debut public appearance at the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City, a significant Jewish prayer site. During his visit, Huckabee placed a prayer, allegedly written by U.S. President Donald Trump, into the wall. Huckabee emphasized efforts to secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas.
Mike Huckabee, a former presidential candidate, has previously supported Israel’s annexation of the West Bank but noted that implementing such policies would not be within his mandate. During his tenure, President Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, a move opposed by Palestinians who claim the eastern part of the city, captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war, as their future capital.
The ambassador’s arrival coincides with a critical juncture in the 18-month conflict, as international mediators, including the U.S., work to restore a fractured ceasefire. Israel demands Hamas releases more hostages and agrees to disarm as prerequisites for a renewed ceasefire. Israel has also expressed intentions to occupy significant “security zones” inside Gaza. Khalil al-Hayya, leading Hamas’ negotiating team, rejected Israel’s latest proposal, maintaining that hostages would only be returned in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, a complete Israeli withdrawal, and a durable truce, as stipulated in the now-defunct January ceasefire agreement.
Hamas currently holds 59 hostages, with 24 believed to be alive. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 251 hostages. Subsequent ceasefire agreements and deals have led to the release of most hostages.
Israel’s military campaign has resulted in the deaths of over 51,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The ongoing conflict has devastated vast areas of Gaza and severely compromised its food production, displacing about 90% of the population, with many residing in makeshift camps and damaged buildings.
On Thursday, aid organizations highlighted the severe impact of Israel’s blockade on Gaza, which has restricted the entry of food and essential goods for over six weeks. The United Nations reported that thousands of children are experiencing malnutrition, and many people are subsisting on one meal per day as supplies dwindle. Israel’s Defense Minister described the blockade as a key pressure tactic against Hamas, accusing the group of misappropriating aid. Aid workers have refuted significant diversion claims, asserting that the U.N. meticulously monitors aid distribution. Human rights organizations have condemned the blockade as a “starvation tactic.”
