Gaza Airstrikes Kill Dozens as New U.S. Ambassador Begins Tenure Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Friday resulted in the deaths of at least 25 people, including children, according to hospital workers. The attacks occurred as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel made his first public appearance in Jerusalem.

Among the casualties were 15 people killed in three strikes on Khan Younis, as reported by Nasser Hospital. The Indonesian Hospital reported that ten people died in Jabaliya, including eight from the same household. These strikes followed a day of intense attacks in Gaza, as Israel continued its military actions.

U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City on Friday. He placed a prayer note into the wall, which he said was handwritten by U.S. President Donald Trump. Mr. Huckabee stated that Mr. Trump had instructed him to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. He also mentioned that efforts were underway to secure the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.

Mr. Huckabee's arrival coincided with a critical period in the ongoing war, as international mediators, including the U.S., sought to revive a broken ceasefire. Israel demands the release of more hostages and the disarmament of Hamas as conditions for a new ceasefire.

Hamas has rejected Israel's latest proposal, insisting on the release of Palestinian prisoners, a full Israeli withdrawal, and a lasting truce in exchange for the hostages. Hamas currently holds 59 hostages, with 24 believed to be alive.

The airstrikes occurred a day after aid organizations expressed concern over Israel's blockade of Gaza, which has restricted the entry of food and other essential goods for over six weeks. The United Nations reported that thousands of children are malnourished, and most people are barely eating one meal a day.

Israel's Defense Minister has described the blockade as a pressure tactic against Hamas, which Israel accuses of diverting aid. Aid workers deny significant diversion, and rights groups have called the blockade a "starvation tactic."

Palestinian Christians gathered inside Gaza's Greek Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrios to observe the Good Friday holiday. A building within the church compound was hit early in the war, resulting in multiple deaths. St. Porphyrios is believed to be one of the oldest churches globally.

The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 people. Israel's subsequent offensive has caused over 51,000 Palestinian deaths, primarily women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The war has devastated large parts of Gaza, displaced around 90% of the population, and destroyed most of its food production capabilities.