Israel conducted airstrikes targeting makeshift tents near two major hospitals in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including a reporter, and injuring nine others, according to Palestinian medical personnel. These actions were a part of broader strikes that killed at least 15 more people throughout Gaza, as reported by local hospitals.
Since ending a ceasefire with Hamas in March, Israel has halted all food, fuel, and humanitarian aid to Gaza, a move criticized as a war crime by human rights organizations. Additionally, Israel has issued displacement orders, forcing thousands of Palestinians to evacuate due to ongoing bombardments and ground offensives.
For 18 months, the conflict in Gaza has taken the lives of over 50,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, as per Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel has committed to advancing its campaign until Hamas releases remaining hostages, disarms, and vacates the territory.
The conflict originated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants infiltrated Israel, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people and 251 hostage takings. Currently, Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, with 24 believed to remain alive.
In the midst of a separate political development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House to engage with President Donald Trump on topics including tariffs and the ongoing Gaza conflict. This meeting marks Netanyahu as the first global leader to meet with Trump since the imposition of worldwide tariffs.
The outcome of Netanyahu’s visit, particularly regarding contentious tariffs, is uncertain. However, the discussions could set a precedent for how global leaders address trade tensions with the United States. Netanyahu’s administration emphasized the tariffs, but the two leaders also expected to focus on major geopolitical matters including the Gaza conflict with Hamas, Iran relations, Israel-Turkey dynamics, and an outstanding arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu.
Conjecturing on Trump’s strategies, experts like Eytan Gilboa from Israel’s Bar-Ilan University suggest Trump might use tariffs as leverage for obtaining concessions from Netanyahu. This may involve pressing Israel to pursue a temporary ceasefire with Hamas, which would potentially ease hostilities and secure more hostages’ releases.
Further diplomatic dialogues are occurring simultaneously with Trump’s engagement. For instance, he consulted leaders from France, Egypt, and Jordan on implementing a ceasefire in Gaza. France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II discussed maintaining close dialogue on relief access and ceasefire negotiations.
Macron is actively involved in the discussions, presently visiting Egypt to connect with security and humanitarian workers, and advocated lifting Israel’s blockade on Gaza aid supplies.
On the U.N. front, hopes for a more enduring ceasefire in Lebanon have increased, as stated by Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz of the U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon. Addressing disputes involving military capabilities and political negotiations between Lebanon and Israel remains crucial for extensive peace.
Responding to escalating tensions in Gaza, U.N. humanitarian agency chiefs issued a call for international action to uphold humanitarian laws. The agencies underscored the critical humanitarian situation: 2.1 million Gazans face severe shortages while supplies accumulate at crossing points. Recently reported was the highest one-week child death toll in Gaza this year, with 1,000 children killed or injured.
Gaza’s Health Ministry confirmed the receipt of 57 civilian casualties from these strikes with 137 others injured. As the conflict continues, Palestinians are engaging in strikes within the West Bank to protest Israel’s actions.
During a visit to Egypt, President Macron also urged that humanitarian aid blockades be eased, reinforcing the call for a ceasefire. Egypt and Qatar have continued their roles as mediators with Hamas.
Meanwhile, tension in the West Bank remains high after Israeli forces lethally shot a Palestinian-American teen, which draws emphasis on the region’s hazardous conditions.
Amid the violence, the lethal airstrike near Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis ignited a media tent, killing a Palestinian journalist and another man. The Israeli military acknowledged the attack, attributing it to targeting Hamas militancy.