An airstrike conducted by Israel on a residential complex in central Gaza claimed the lives of at least seven Palestinians, including four children, while injuring 16 others on Friday afternoon, according to local health officials.
The attack targeted an apartment within the Jaffa residential tower situated in the densely populated Nuseirat refugee camp. The casualties were promptly transported to Aqsa and Awda hospitals for medical treatment.
Although the Israeli military did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the strike, Israel has maintained that its operations exclusively target militants, attributing the civilian deaths to Hamas, which is alleged to utilize residential areas as operational bases.
The situation has drawn substantial international condemnation due to the alarming rise in civilian casualties and growing concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Over the past 14 months of conflict, more than 45,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, following Hamas’ assault on southern Israel in October 2023 that resulted in 1,200 fatalities. Negotiations are reportedly underway for a potential ceasefire agreement that would facilitate the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
In other developments, a U.S. diplomatic team was engaged in discussions in Damascus with Syria’s new leadership—marking the first official American visit to Syria in over a decade. This trip follows shortly after a group of jihadist-led insurgents overthrew President Bashar Assad’s regime, igniting fears among various minority communities, including Christians, regarding their safety and rights under the rebel factions, particularly the ultranationalist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

In the West Bank, the situation further deteriorated as Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque and vandalized property in the village of Marda. This incident is part of a troubling pattern of rising violence perpetrated by Jewish settlers amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Nasfat al-Khafash, the head of the local village council, reported that a group of settlers arrived early in the morning to set the mosque ablaze and deface it with hateful graffiti.
In the aftermath, video footage showed symbols of the Star of David and slogans in Hebrew that threatened the mosque, indicating an alarming rise in extremist rhetoric and actions. Al-Khafash condemned the attack, suggesting that it reflects deep-seated animosity toward Palestinians and Arabs that is seemingly endorsed by the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, known for its far-right policies.
The Israeli authorities, including police and military, announced an investigation into the incident, with a commitment to hold those responsible accountable. According to the United Nations’ humanitarian office, settler violence during the olive harvest season has surged significantly, with a reported tripling of incidents compared to previous years.

In a separate military action, the U.S. launched airstrikes in northeastern Syria that targeted and killed a leader of the Islamic State group alongside another militant. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the strike was executed in a region formerly under the control of the Syrian government. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to thwart Islamic State activities amidst the current turmoil in Syria, particularly focusing on preventing any potential resurgence of IS forces or mass prison breaks from Kurdish detention facilities.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, reports from the Health Ministry indicate that 77 individuals have died in the past 24 hours due to the conflict, with a significant number of those being children. The latest figures bring the total death toll in Gaza to over 45,206 since the outbreak of the war, with more than half of the deceased being women and children, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis facing the territory.

Amid escalating tensions, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hinted at a potential military intervention in northern Syria to address perceived threats posed by Kurdish groups. His remarks come amid ongoing clashes between Turkish-backed and Kurdish-led forces in the border regions, particularly around Kobani and the Tishrin Dam.
Erdogan emphasized the need to neutralize what he labels as terrorist organizations in Syria to avert security risks for Turkey. His government views the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces as a terrorist entity due to their ties with the PKK, a group involved in a long-standing conflict with the Turkish state.

In a landmark visit, a U.S. delegation, led by Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, arrived in Damascus to engage with Syria’s interim leaders following the recent political shifts in the country. Their discussions included efforts to locate missing American journalist Austin Tice, marking the first such high-level American visit to Syria since the U.S. closed its embassy in 2012.
The delegation’s outreach signals a notable shift in U.S.-Syria relations amidst the country’s turbulent political landscape. Alongside Syrian officials, the delegation also met with members of civil society and humanitarian organizations, emphasizing a renewed focus on engaging with the Syrian populace.

In another tragic event, two journalists covering clashes in northern Syria were killed, suggesting an alarming trend of violence against media personnel amidst the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate that a Turkish drone strike targeted their vehicle, accentuating the complexities faced by journalists operating in such volatile environments.
Furthermore, the head of the U.N. migration agency cautioned that a large-scale return of Syrian refugees would overwhelm the country, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. With millions displaced since the onset of Syria’s civil war in 2011, the prospect of refugees returning to an unstable and fragile environment raises significant concerns regarding the country’s capacity to accommodate them.

Lastly, in a significant shift in foreign aid policy, the Swedish government announced it would cease its direct funding to the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), redirecting its support towards various humanitarian organizations instead. This decision comes in light of recent Israeli legislation aimed at limiting UNRWA’s activities in Palestinian territories, which Swedish officials expressed would complicate delivering assistance to those in need.
With Sweden previously supplying substantial funds to support UNRWA’s extensive humanitarian efforts, this realignment underscores the shifting dynamics of international support in response to the ongoing crisis faced by Palestinians.