Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Friday killed at least 25 people, including children, according to local hospitals. Fifteen were killed in Khan Younis and ten in Jabaliya, including eight members of one family.
The latest attacks follow another deadly day in Gaza as Israel increases military pressure on Hamas, demanding the group disarm and release hostages taken during the October 2023 attack.
Huckabee Begins Role as U.S. Ambassador
New U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, made his first public appearance by visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem. He placed a handwritten prayer in the wall that he said was written by President Donald Trump. Huckabee stated Trump had asked him to pray for Jerusalem’s peace and emphasized that efforts to free hostages held by Hamas were a top priority.
Though previously supportive of Israel annexing the West Bank, Huckabee said he does not intend to push that agenda as ambassador.
During Trump’s previous term, the U.S. officially recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moved its embassy there — a move rejected by Palestinians, who claim East Jerusalem as their future capital.
Huckabee’s arrival comes amid efforts to revive a collapsed ceasefire. Israel insists that Hamas must first release more hostages and disarm, while Hamas has rejected these terms, demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners, a permanent truce, and a full Israeli withdrawal.
Currently, Hamas holds 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to still be alive.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The airstrikes follow growing concern from aid organizations over Israel’s continued blockade of Gaza, now over six weeks long. With limited access to food, many residents survive on one meal a day, and thousands of children are suffering from malnutrition, according to the U.N.
Israel’s defense minister has described the blockade as a key tactic to pressure Hamas, though aid groups dispute claims that the group is stealing supplies. Human rights organizations have labeled the tactic as using “starvation as a weapon.”
Gaza Christians Observe Good Friday
Despite ongoing attacks, Gaza’s Christian community gathered at the historic St. Porphyrios Greek Orthodox Church to commemorate Good Friday. The church compound had been hit earlier in the war, killing more than a dozen civilians taking shelter there.
Before the conflict, about 1,300 Christians lived in Gaza.
Background on the War
The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a surprise assault on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages. Since then, Israel’s military response has killed over 51,000 Palestinians — mostly women and children — according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The war has destroyed large areas of Gaza, crippled food production, and forced nearly 90% of residents from their homes.