At least 60 people killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza as Israel lets minimal aid in
At least 60 people were killed by Israeli strikes across Gaza in a 24-hour period, Gaza’s health ministry said Friday, as Israel pressed ahead with its military offensive and let in minimal aid to the strip.The dead included 10 people in the southern city of Khan Younis, four in the central town of Deir al-Balah, and nine in the Jabaliya refugee camp in the north, according to the Nasser, Al-Aqsa, and Al-Ahli hospitals where the bodies were brought.Israel is facing mounting international criticism for its latest offensive and pressure to let aid into Gaza amid a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.The strip has been under an Israeli blockade for nearly three months, according to the United Nations.
Experts have warned that many of Gaza’s 2 million residents are at high risk of famine.Even the United States, a staunch ally, has voiced concerns over the hunger crisis.The strikes that lasted into Friday morning came a day after Israeli tanks and drones attacked a hospital in northern Gaza, igniting fires and causing extensive damage, Palestinian hospital officials said on Thursday.Videos taken by a health official at Al-Awda Hospital show walls blown away and thick black smoke billowing from wreckage.Israel said it will continue to strike until Hamas releases all of the 58 remaining Israeli hostages and disarms.
Fewer than half of the hostages still in Gaza are believed to be alive, after most of the rest were returned in ceasefire agreements or other deals.The strikes come a day after two Israeli Embassy staffers were shot while leaving a reception for young diplomats at the Capital Jewish Museum, in Washington, DC.The suspect told police he “did it for Palestine,” according to court documents filed Thursday as he was charged with murder.
He didn’t enter a plea.On Thursday night, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the killings in Washington horrific and blasted France, the UK, and Canada for proposing to establish a Palestinian state.“...