Israeli strikes kill at least 60 people in Gaza as Israel allows minimal aid in

At least 60 Palestinians were killed in a 24-hour period across the Gaza Strip as Israeli airstrikes continued, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported on Friday. 

Among the dead were 10 people in Khan Younis, four in Deir al-Balah, and nine in Jabaliya refugee camp, according to hospitals in the region.

The escalation comes as international criticism mounts over Israel's military campaign and its restrictive blockade, which has severely limited humanitarian aid. The United Nations has warned of the looming risk of famine among Gaza’s population of over two million, now in its third month under siege.

Attacks on Hospitals and Growing Humanitarian Alarm

The recent strikes followed a raid by Israeli tanks and drones on Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza. Health officials described widespread damage and fires ignited by the attack. Footage captured inside the hospital showed walls torn apart and thick smoke engulfing the area.

Despite increasing pressure—including from the United States—Israel has resisted calls for a ceasefire, insisting it will continue military operations until Hamas releases the remaining 58 Israeli hostages and disarms. Officials believe fewer than half of the hostages are still alive.

Deadly Incident in Washington Raises Political Tensions

In Washington, a suspect has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting two Israeli Embassy staffers outside a diplomatic event. According to court documents, the suspect claimed he acted “for Palestine.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack and criticized France, the UK, and Canada for proposing the establishment of a Palestinian state, accusing them of effectively supporting Hamas by threatening sanctions against Israel.

Aid Arriving but “Woefully Insufficient,” U.N. Says

In response to international outrage, Israel allowed over 100 aid trucks to enter Gaza on Friday via the Kerem Shalom crossing. These deliveries included flour, food, and medical supplies. However, U.N. agencies argue that the volume falls drastically short of the 600 trucks per day that entered during the last ceasefire and is necessary to meet minimum humanitarian needs.

The World Food Programme reported that 15 of its trucks were looted Thursday night while en route to bakeries, underscoring the chaos and insecurity hampering aid distribution. The agency again urged Israel to increase the volume and pace of aid entry.

Israel says this limited aid is a temporary measure before a new U.S.-backed initiative takes over. A group called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is set to manage distribution, with support from armed private security contractors. The Israeli government claims the move is necessary to prevent aid theft by Hamas—an accusation the U.N. denies.

TRIAL International, a Geneva-based advocacy group, has filed legal action urging Swiss authorities to monitor the foundation, which is registered in Switzerland. The foundation insists it operates independently of Israeli control and follows humanitarian standards.

Ceasefire Negotiations Stalled

Ceasefire talks in Doha have reached an impasse. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu withdrew his top negotiating team earlier this week, citing a lack of progress. A smaller working group remains in Qatar.

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani acknowledged a “fundamental gap” between Israel and Hamas, with no current proposal capable of bridging their differences. Hamas accused Netanyahu of using negotiations as a public relations tactic without engaging in serious diplomacy.

West Bank Violence Escalates

In the occupied West Bank, violence has surged in parallel with the Gaza conflict. On Thursday, residents of the village of Bruqin reported attacks by Israeli settlers, including arson and vandalism. Mustafa Khater, whose home was targeted, said he had evacuated his family for their safety.

The West Bank has seen increased Israeli military operations targeting militants and a rise in settler violence, leading to hundreds of Palestinian deaths and the displacement of tens of thousands.

The war, now in its eighth month, began with Hamas’s October 7 attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel and led to the abduction of 251 hostages. Since then, Israel’s military response has killed over 53,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and devastated large parts of the coastal enclave. Aid agencies continue to warn of an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe.