A wave of Israeli airstrikes across central and southern Gaza has resulted in at least 50 casualties, despite some areas being marked as humanitarian safe zones. Israeli authorities stated the strikes aimed at high-ranking Hamas operatives, holding the group responsible for civilian casualties. Amid ongoing conflict, local health officials say over 45,500 Palestinians have been killed since the war ignited by Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023.
Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire continue as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized intelligence and military delegates to pursue talks in Qatar. Mediation efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have repeatedly encountered hurdles. Concurrently, the UN's World Health Organization urged Israel to expedite medical evacuations for critically ill patients, as limited permissions have left thousands awaiting urgent treatment.
In a concerning development, air raid sirens were triggered in Jerusalem and central Israel early Friday following a missile launch from Yemen, reportedly intercepted by Israeli defense systems. Despite attempts to prevent further attacks, the Houthis declared they would continue targeting Israel until hostilities in Gaza cease. Meanwhile, Israel also conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, and admitted responsibility for a raid in Syria last year targeting a missile factory, illustrating the regional complexity of current tensions. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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