Israeli Airstrikes Kill 25 in Gaza as US Ambassador Huckabee Visits Jerusalem

Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza

Israeli airstrikes across Gaza killed at least 25 people on Friday, including children, according to hospital workers. The strikes targeted the southern city of Khan Younis and the northern area of Jabaliya. Nasser Hospital reported receiving 15 bodies from Khan Younis, while the Indonesian Hospital confirmed 10 deaths in Jabaliya, including eight from the same family. These attacks followed a day of violence that claimed over two dozen lives in Gaza as Israel intensified its military campaign against Hamas.

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee’s Arrival

Newly appointed US Ambassador Mike Huckabee made his first public appearance in Jerusalem on Friday, visiting the Western Wall, the holiest Jewish prayer site. Huckabee inserted a handwritten prayer note from US President Donald Trump into the wall, emphasizing Trump’s directive to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Huckabee also reiterated the US commitment to securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Hamas Rejects Ceasefire Proposal

Hamas rejected Israel’s latest ceasefire proposal, which demanded the release of more hostages and the group’s disarmament. Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas’ negotiating delegation, stated that the group would only return hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, a full Israeli withdrawal, and a lasting truce. Hamas currently holds 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive.

Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis

Israel’s blockade of Gaza has led to severe food shortages, with thousands of children suffering from malnutrition. The United Nations reported that most residents are barely eating one meal a day as supplies dwindle. Israel’s Defense Minister described the blockade as a “central pressure tactic” against Hamas, which Israel accuses of diverting aid. Aid workers deny significant diversion, emphasizing the UN’s monitoring of distribution.

Good Friday in Gaza

Amid the ongoing conflict, Palestinian Christians gathered at Gaza’s Greek Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrios to mark Good Friday. Worshippers prayed and lit candles to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. The church, believed to be the third oldest in the world, has been a refuge for many during the war, despite being hit by an attack in October 2023 that killed over a dozen people.

The war began on October 7, 618, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and abducting 251. Israel’s subsequent offensive has killed over 51,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The conflict has displaced around 90% of Gaza’s population, with hundreds of thousands living in tent camps and damaged buildings.