United News of Bangladesh

Peace talks between Israel and Hamas resumed on Tuesday at Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, coinciding with the second anniversary of the militant group’s surprise attack on Israel that triggered the devastating war in Gaza. The renewed round of indirect negotiations is centered on a peace plan proposed last week by U.S. President Donald Trump, which aims to end the conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya told Egypt’s Qahera TV that the group seeks guarantees of a permanent ceasefire as part of any agreement involving the release of the remaining 48 hostages—around 20 of whom are believed by Israel to still be alive. It marked his first public appearance since an Israeli airstrike in Qatar last month targeted him and other top Hamas figures, killing six people, including his son and office manager. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already accepted Trump’s plan, which calls for the immediate release of hostages, Hamas’s disarmament, and placing Gaza under international administration—conditions yet to be endorsed by Hamas. Netanyahu’s office said Israel was “cautiously optimistic,” describing the ongoing discussions as technical negotiations on a framework both parties have tentatively approved. Trump’s initiative has drawn wide international support. Speaking to reporters Monday, the U.S. president said he believed there was a “really good chance” of reaching a lasting peace deal. Global rallies mark Oct 7 anniversary as Gaza war’s toll deepens, protests grow worldwide Momentum appeared to build further as Qatar announced that its prime minister and foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, would travel to Egypt on Wednesday to join the mediation efforts. Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Netanyahu’s senior adviser Ron Dermer are also expected to participate. Trump’s peace plan The U.S.-brokered proposal envisions Israel withdrawing its forces from Gaza once Hamas disarms, to be followed by the deployment of an international security force. The plan also calls for Gaza to come under international governance, overseen by Trump and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair. In a statement Tuesday, Hamas reiterated its demands for a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, without mentioning the issue of disarmament. The war erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and abducting 251 others. Most hostages have since been released through ceasefire deals. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 67,160 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 170,000 injured in the ensuing conflict. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters but says about half of the dead are women and children. The United Nations and independent analysts regard its data as the most credible estimate of casualties. Gaza peace talks continue on war's two-year anniversary Several international experts, including those commissioned by a U.N. body, have said Israel’s military campaign amounts to genocide—an allegation Israel vehemently rejects. On Tuesday, thousands of Israelis gathered at the sites attacked two years ago to commemorate victims and hostages. During the memorial, a rocket fired from northern Gaza exploded nearby, though no damage or casualties were reported. In Gaza City, residents said Israeli strikes continued until early Tuesday, though there were no immediate reports of casualties. Humanitarian lifeline in focus Ahead of the latest talks, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres described the Gaza conflict as “a humanitarian catastrophe on a scale that defies comprehension.” Trump’s proposal, he said, “offers an opportunity that must be seized to end this tragic conflict.” Egypt and Qatar, which have mediated between Israel and Hamas throughout much of the war, are again facilitating the current round of discussions. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said Monday’s talks lasted around four hours. Witkoff, Kushner, and Dermer are due to arrive in Egypt on Wednesday, according to U.S. and Israeli officials who spoke on condition of anonymity as their trips had not yet been formally announced. A key element of Trump’s plan is to accelerate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where over 2 million Palestinians are facing severe hunger and, in some areas, famine conditions. Source: AP

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order committing to defend Qatar against external threats, including through possible military action, following Israel’s surprise strike on the Gulf nation. The order, posted on the White House website Wednesday but dated Monday, pledges to safeguard Qatar’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and critical infrastructure. It came amid efforts to reassure Doha after the Israeli attack, which killed six people, including a member of Qatar’s security forces, as Hamas leaders were reportedly weighing a ceasefire deal in the Gaza war. “The United States shall regard any armed attack on Qatar as a threat to U.S. peace and security,” the order states. It further authorizes “all lawful and appropriate measures — diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military” to defend both American and Qatari interests. US begins troop drawdown in Iraq under agreement with Baghdad The move followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Washington visit, during which Trump arranged a call between Netanyahu and Qatar’s leadership. Netanyahu conveyed his “deep regret” over the strike, the White House said. Later, Trump also spoke by phone with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani about Doha’s mediation in ceasefire talks. Qatar welcomed the U.S. pledge as a “significant step in strengthening defense ties,” while Al Jazeera described the order as a security guarantee. However, questions remain about its binding nature, as treaties typically require Senate approval. Analysts noted that Trump, like previous presidents, has at times pursued international commitments without Senate consent. The order has already stirred debate. Right-wing activist Laura Loomer posted on X: “I don’t want to die for Qatar. Do you?” The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board also criticized the decision, saying it came “without public debate.” Qatar hosts the U.S. Central Command’s forward base at Al Udeid Air Base and was designated a major non-NATO ally by President Joe Biden in 2022 for its role in aiding the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Gulf state also maintains close ties with Trump, ranging from business projects to support for his presidential travel. Meanwhile, Israel’s strike has triggered broader regional repercussions. Saudi Arabia has signed a mutual defense pact with Pakistan, reportedly extending Islamabad’s nuclear umbrella over the kingdom. Analysts suggest other Gulf states, facing uncertainty over Israel and renewed U.N. sanctions on Iran, may also seek formal guarantees from Washington. “The Gulf’s centrality to the Middle East and its strategic value to the United States demand clear guarantees beyond verbal assurances and ceremonial meetings,” wrote Bader al-Saif, a Gulf affairs expert at Kuwait University. Source: AP

At least 25 members of the same family were killed when Israeli warplanes bombed a cluster of homes in Gaza City’s Sabra neighbourhood early Sunday, amid intensifying attacks across the besieged territory. The strikes hit as Israeli tanks pushed further into Sabra, part of a broader plan to seize control of the area. Rescue efforts were underway, with at least 17 people pulled from the rubble. Family members feared as many as 50 others remained trapped, with survivors saying they could still hear voices beneath the debris. “We keep hearing their screams from under the rubble, but we cannot reach them,” one family member pleaded. “I appeal to the whole world: Please lend us a helping hand. Our relatives are buried alive.” Rescue workers said their efforts were being hampered by Israeli drones firing at those digging through the rubble. “For every five men making an attempt, four are killed and only one survives,” a relative said. Push for two-state solution to Israel-Palestine conflict faces hurdles and risks backfire Video circulating online showed casualties being carried away in small vehicles, including a grieving mother who cried that she had lost “all of my children” in the attack. Israeli forces also carried out air raids on the Shati refugee camp in western Gaza City and the Tal al-Hawa neighbourhood to the southwest, as well as targeting Laval Tower in the Nasr district and a nearby house. Separately, seven Palestinians — including four children — were killed in a strike on the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, near a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) clinic, according to emergency sources. Medical sources cited by the Wafa news agency said at least 68 people had been killed across Gaza since dawn on Sunday. The Gaza Health Ministry reported Saturday that overall casualties since October 2023 had reached 65,283 dead and 166,575 wounded. It also confirmed four more deaths from Israeli-induced starvation, raising that toll to 440, including 147 children. Israel continues demolishing buildings and forcing residents to flee as it presses its ground assault. The military said three divisions are advancing in Gaza City and northern Gaza, while another is operating in Khan Younis. It claimed its forces killed “many terrorists” in the past 24 hours. Gaza authorities estimate nearly 900,000 people remain in Gaza City, though Israel says more than 450,000 have already been displaced since early September. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, Pope Leo condemned the forced displacement of civilians, stressing, “There is no future based on violence, forced exile, and revenge.” Meanwhile, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal announced formal recognition of Palestinian statehood just days ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly. Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin welcomed the move, calling Israel’s actions “a systematic assault on the very fabric of humanity, designed to erase the Palestinian people’s existence, culture and future.” Source: Agency

Israel launched another round of heavy airstrikes in Yemen on Wednesday, killing at least 35 people and wounding more than 130, just days after Houthi rebels carried out a drone attack on an Israeli airport, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. Rescue teams continued searching through the rubble. Most of the casualties were reported in Sanaa, Yemen’s capital, where a military headquarters and a fuel station were among the sites hit. Al-Masirah, a Houthi-controlled news channel, said nearby homes were also damaged. Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said rebels fired surface-to-air missiles at Israeli jets in response. The strikes came amid rising international scrutiny of Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she would push for sanctions and a partial trade suspension against Israel over its operations in the Gaza Strip. The EU remains divided on the issue. Israel has urged around 1 million Palestinians to evacuate Gaza City as it steps up its offensive targeting Hamas’ remaining stronghold, while the Gaza Health Ministry reported 41 more deaths and 184 injuries in the past 24 hours, including 12 people seeking humanitarian aid. Thousands remain displaced, struggling with limited food, shelter, and fuel. The war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and abducting 251. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has so far killed more than 64,600 Palestinians, with women and children accounting for about half of the deaths, according to Gaza authorities. Meanwhile, Israel’s strike on Qatar, a U.S. ally, targeting senior Hamas figures drew widespread condemnation and added to Israel’s diplomatic isolation. Hamas said its senior leaders survived the attack, though several bodyguards were killed. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening, with famine declared in parts of the city. Von der Leyen described it as a “man-made famine” and urged immediate action to protect civilians, especially children. Israel maintains that it allows sufficient humanitarian aid and blames Hamas for civilian casualties.

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 36 Palestinians across Gaza on Monday, including a pregnant woman and her newborn, according to local health officials. The strikes came as Israel eased some aid restrictions under global pressure over the growing hunger crisis. A pregnant woman, Soad al-Shaer, was killed in an Israeli strike in Muwasi, Khan Younis. Her baby, delivered by emergency surgery, died hours later despite being placed in an incubator. Eleven others were killed in a separate strike on a house in Khan Younis, mostly women and children. The Israeli military did not comment on most of the reported strikes. One incident in Gaza City during Israel’s announced humanitarian pause reportedly killed one person. Israel initiates daily pauses in Gaza fighting to allow limited aid amid growing hunger To address the worsening humanitarian crisis, Israel said it would pause military operations for 10 hours daily in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Muwasi to allow aid to enter. Aid agencies welcomed the move but called it insufficient. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) said 300 aid trucks entered Gaza Sunday, but the UN says 500-600 trucks are needed daily. Nearly all local food production has collapsed due to the blockade and ongoing conflict. Two military planes from Jordan and the UAE dropped 17 tons of aid, though UN officials warned that airdrops are ineffective and risky. Awda Hospital said Israeli fire near an aid site killed seven people and injured 20 more. The site was run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli-backed contractor. The war began with Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis. Israel’s offensive has since killed over 59,800 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

At least 25 Palestinians were killed overnight by Israeli airstrikes and gunfire in Gaza, including several people shot while waiting for humanitarian aid near the Zikim crossing, health officials and ambulance services reported Saturday. Medical staff at Shifa Hospital said most of the victims were hit by gunfire while gathering for aid trucks near the Israeli border. Four others died in an Israeli airstrike targeting an apartment building in Gaza City. The Israeli military has not commented on the latest shootings. The incident follows a similar tragedy days earlier at the Zikim crossing, where at least 79 Palestinians were killed as they attempted to access humanitarian supplies. At the time, the Israeli army said its soldiers fired at crowds deemed threatening. The violence comes amid a breakdown in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Talks have stalled since the United States and Israel recalled their negotiating teams on Thursday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday said his government was exploring "alternative options." Meanwhile, a Hamas official claimed discussions could resume next week, suggesting the pause may be a tactic to apply pressure. Over 100 aid organizations warn of worsening starvation in Gaza amid ongoing Israeli strikes Mediators Egypt and Qatar, along with the U.S., have said the suspension is temporary but have not provided a timeline for resumption. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with the United Nations warning of imminent famine. Despite Israeli claims of unrestricted aid entry, the UN says operations are severely constrained by military restrictions and widespread looting. In a rare move, Israel has agreed to allow food and milk formula airdrops requested by Jordan. The UK also said it is working urgently to send aid via Jordan. The World Central Kitchen resumed limited operations in Deir al-Balah, aiming to provide 60,000 meals daily—less than half its previous capacity due to severe food shortages.

Five Israeli soldiers were killed in an attack in the northern Gaza Strip, Israel's military said Tuesday, while health officials in the Palestinian territory said 51 people were killed in Israeli strikes. The bloodshed came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visiting the White House for talks with US President Donald Trump about a ceasefire plan to pause the Gaza fighting. While there was no announcement of a breakthrough, there were signs of progress toward a deal. According to AP, the soldiers' deaths could add to pressure on Netanyahu to strike a deal, as polls in Israel have shown widespread support for ending the 21-month war. A senior Israeli official said 80-90% of the details had been ironed out and a final agreement could be days away. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorised to discuss the sensitive negotiations with the media. Soldiers attacked with explosive devices The soldiers were killed roughly two weeks after Israel reported one of its deadliest days in months in Gaza, when seven soldiers were killed after a Palestinian attached a bomb to their armoured vehicle. An Israeli security official said explosive devices were detonated against the five soldiers during an operation in the Beit Hanoun area in northern Gaza, an area where Israel has repeatedly fought regrouping militants. Houthi rebels attack Red Sea ship after claiming to sink another The military said 14 soldiers were wounded in the attack, two of them seriously. It brings the toll of soldiers killed to 888 since Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack. Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, said on social media that the attack was an “additional blow” against what he described as a “weak” army. In a statement, Netanyahu sent condolences, saying the soldiers fell “in a campaign to defeat Hamas and to free all of our hostages.” On the other hand, health officials at Nasser Hospital, where victims of the Israeli strikes were taken, said one strike targeted tents sheltering displaced people in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, killing four people. A separate strike in Khan Younis killed four people, including a mother, father and their two children, officials said. Nasser Hospital records showed a total of 41 people killed on Tuesday. In central Gaza, Israeli strikes killed another 10 people and wounded 72, according to Awda Hospital in Nuseirat. Israel's military had no immediate comment on the strikes, but it blames Hamas for any harm to civilians because the militants operate in populated areas.

At least 74 Palestinians were killed in Gaza on Monday, as Israeli airstrikes hit a crowded seaside cafe and troops opened fire on residents seeking food aid, according to witnesses and health officials. An Israeli airstrike struck the Al-Baqa Cafe in Gaza City, killing at least 30 people and injuring dozens more, many critically, Fares Awad, head of the Health Ministry’s emergency and ambulance service in northern Gaza, confirmed. Ali Abu Ateila, who was inside the cafe at the time, described the moment of the strike: “Without a warning, all of a sudden, a warplane hit the place, shaking it like an earthquake,” he said. The cafe, one of the few remaining businesses still operating during the nearly 20-month-long war, was a gathering spot for residents seeking internet access and charging points for their phones. Videos circulating on social media showed bloodied bodies on the ground and the wounded being carried away wrapped in blankets. Two other Israeli airstrikes on a street in Gaza City killed 15 people, Shifa Hospital reported. Another airstrike near the town of Zawaida killed six people, according to Al-Aqsa Hospital. In separate incidents, Israeli forces shot and killed at least 11 Palestinians seeking food aid in southern Gaza, according to witnesses, hospital officials, and the Gaza Health Ministry. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis said it received the bodies of people shot while returning from an aid distribution site associated with the Israeli and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF). The shooting is part of a deadly pattern that has killed more than 500 Palestinians around the controversial aid program over the past month. The latest shootings occurred approximately 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the GHF site in Khan Younis as Palestinians returned along the only accessible route. Many residents are forced to walk long distances to the GHF hubs, hoping to obtain desperately needed food supplies. Nasser Hospital also reported one person killed near a GHF hub in the southern city of Rafah. Another person was killed while waiting for aid near the Netzarim corridor, which separates northern and southern Gaza, according to Al-Awda Hospital. In a separate incident, 10 people were killed at a United Nations aid warehouse in northern Gaza, Gaza's Health Ministry confirmed. Witnesses describe gunfire on civilians Monzer Hisham Ismail, a witness to the Khan Younis shooting, said Israeli troops attacked crowds returning from the GHF hub. “We were targeted by (the Israeli) artillery,” he said. Another witness, Yousef Mahmoud Mokheimar, who was walking with dozens of others, said Israeli troops in tanks and other vehicles approached rapidly. “They fired at us indiscriminately,” he said, adding that he was shot in the leg, while another man was shot trying to rescue him. Mokheimar also said Israeli forces detained six people, including three children. “We don’t know whether they are still alive,” he added. 66 children die from malnutrition in Gaza as Israel’s siege tightens The Israeli military said it is reviewing information about the incidents. It has previously stated that it fires warning shots at individuals who move suspiciously or approach troops, including those collecting aid. Israel and the US have promoted the GHF as an alternative to the UN-coordinated aid system, which they accuse Hamas of exploiting. The UN denies systematic diversion of aid. The Israeli military said new steps have been taken to improve organization at aid sites, including fencing, signage, and additional access routes. Israel maintains that it targets militants and blames civilian casualties on Hamas, accusing the group of operating within civilian areas. Strikes intensify in Gaza city Israeli bombardments escalated across Gaza City and the nearby Jabaliya refugee camp, following widespread evacuation orders issued on Sunday and Monday for much of northern Gaza. Palestinians described intense overnight attacks, calling them a "scorched earth" campaign. Mohamed Mahdy, a Gaza City resident who fled his damaged home Monday morning, said: “They destroy whatever left standing… the sound of bombing hasn’t stopped.” Fares Awad of the emergency services said most of Gaza City and Jabaliya have become inaccessible to ambulances due to ongoing strikes, leaving many trapped under rubble. The Israeli military said civilians were notified of the operations, which targeted Hamas military command and control centers. The ongoing war has killed over 56,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and fighters. The ministry says more than half of those killed were women and children. The conflict began with a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, which killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and led to 251 hostages being taken. Israel says about 50 hostages remain in captivity, many of them believed to be dead. Source: AP

Israeli airstrikes struck Iran's capital with intensity early Wednesday, as a widening conflict has reportedly left at least 585 people dead and 1,326 injured across Iran, according to a Washington-based human rights organization. The group, Human Rights Activists, which previously provided detailed casualty figures during the 2022 protests following Mahsa Amini’s death, reported that of those killed in the Israeli strikes, 239 were civilians and 126 were members of the security forces. The organization cross-references local Iranian reports with a network of verified sources inside the country. Iran has not issued frequent casualty updates during the conflict and has often downplayed the extent of damage and deaths. Its most recent figures, released on Monday, reported 224 fatalities and 1,277 wounded. The ongoing Israeli offensive, now in its sixth day and focused on Iran’s military and nuclear facilities, has thrown the region into uncertainty, prompting large numbers of Tehran residents to flee their homes. Israel maintains that the air campaign is necessary to prevent Iran from advancing closer to building a nuclear weapon. The strikes come amid diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington to revive negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. However, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israel launched the offensive after the expiration of a 60-day deadline he had set for progress in the talks. Iran has consistently claimed that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. Nevertheless, it remains the only non-nuclear-armed country to enrich uranium to 60% purity—just a short technical step from the weapons-grade level of 90%. While the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear watchdog, continues to conduct limited inspections in Iran, U.S. intelligence agencies have stated that they do not believe Iran is currently trying to develop a nuclear bomb. Trump demands Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’ as strikes continue, supreme leader is safe 'for now' People flee Tehran as strikes continue A powerful explosion was heard around 5 a.m. Wednesday in Tehran, following a series of blasts that had already shaken the city earlier in the predawn hours. Iranian authorities did not acknowledge the attacks, a pattern that has become increasingly common amid the intensifying Israeli airstrike campaign that began on Friday. One of the strikes reportedly hit Tehran’s eastern neighborhood of Hakimiyeh, where an academy run by the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard is located. In the aftermath, central Tehran saw a dramatic exodus, with many shops closing their doors, including the historic Grand Bazaar. The Bazaar, a symbol of the capital’s commercial life, has only shut down during major national crises, such as the 2022 anti-government protests and the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, traffic on roads leading west out of the city was gridlocked, with vehicles stuck in bumper-to-bumper congestion as residents attempted to flee. Trump demands Iranian surrender As the U.S. sends more warplanes to the Middle East, Trump made a series of statements about the conflict fueled confusion about the U.S.’s role, including demanding “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” in a post on social media and warning Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that the U.S. knows where he is hiding but that there were no plans to kill him “at least not for now.” Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke about the evolving situation over the phone on Tuesday, according to a White House official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. Iranian supreme leader warns: "The battle begins" Iran vows more retaliation Iran did not immediately respond to the U.S. president’s social media posts, but the country’s military leadership warned that more attacks against Israel were imminent. In a video message, Gen. Abdul Rahim Mousavi, commander in chief of Iran’s army, stated, “The operations carried out so far have been solely for the purpose of warning and deterrence. The punishment operation will be carried out soon.” As Iran launched another wave of missiles on Wednesday, Israel’s military advised residents to stay close to shelters. However, officials reported that most of the missiles were intercepted, and emergency services had no immediate reports of injuries. Air raid sirens sounded across southern Israel, including the town of Dimona, which is home to Israel’s undeclared nuclear weapons program. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department announced that the American Embassy in Jerusalem would remain closed through Friday. Iran has launched a smaller number of missiles in each successive barrage, with only a few fired on Wednesday. Although no official reason has been given for the reduced number of missiles, the drop follows Israeli strikes that targeted several Iranian launch systems. Since the start of its retaliation, Iran has fired around 400 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel. The attacks have so far resulted in 24 deaths inside Israel.

At least 60 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, as Israel continued its military campaign and allowed only limited humanitarian aid into the area. The fatalities included 10 in Khan Younis in the south, four in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, and nine in the Jabaliya refugee camp in the north, according to reports from Nasser, Al-Aqsa, and Al-Ahli hospitals. Israel is facing increasing global condemnation over its continued offensive and the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, which has been under near-total blockade for almost three months. Experts warn that many of the two million residents face imminent famine. Even the United States, Israel’s key ally, has voiced alarm about the hunger crisis. Microsoft fires employee who interrupted CEO's speech to protest AI tech for Israeli military The latest airstrikes extended into Friday, just a day after Israeli forces targeted a hospital in northern Gaza with tanks and drones, causing fires and widespread destruction, according to Palestinian health officials. Video from Al-Awda Hospital showed destroyed walls and thick black smoke. Israel has pledged to continue its operations until Hamas surrenders and releases the remaining 58 Israeli hostages. Fewer than half of those hostages are believed to still be alive. Washington Attack Linked to Gaza Conflict The Gaza violence coincides with a deadly incident in Washington, D.C., where two Israeli Embassy staffers were fatally shot after attending an event. The suspect, who claimed the act was "for Palestine," has been charged with murder. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack and criticized France, the UK, and Canada for backing the idea of a Palestinian state, arguing their stance implicitly supports Hamas. Minimal Aid Flows In, U.N. Says It's Not Enough In response to growing pressure, Israel allowed over 100 aid trucks into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing on Friday, carrying essentials like flour, food, and medical supplies. However, the U.N. called the volume inadequate compared to the 600 daily trucks needed during previous ceasefires. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres criticized Israel for offering only “a teaspoon of aid when a flood is needed,” noting that no aid has yet reached northern Gaza. Distribution is hampered by Israeli military restrictions and security issues within Gaza. At a charity kitchen in Khan Younis, desperate residents lined up with empty containers, hoping for a portion of lentil soup. Displaced mother Halima Abu Amra said her injured daughter survives on discarded, soaked bread, while her younger children eat only soup. The World Food Program reported that 15 of its aid trucks were looted in southern Gaza on Thursday night, citing growing desperation and lawlessness. Israel says the current aid is temporary until a new U.S.-backed initiative begins. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private organization, is expected to manage future aid efforts, using armed contractors for security. Israel claims the move is necessary to prevent Hamas from diverting aid. The U.N. has rejected this plan, arguing that it undermines international law and humanitarian standards. Guterres stated that the U.N. already has the capacity to deliver aid via 9,000 trucks. Meanwhile, a Geneva-based advocacy group has initiated legal proceedings to push Swiss authorities to oversee the GHF, which is registered in Switzerland. The foundation insists it operates independently and within humanitarian guidelines. Ceasefire Talks Stalled Ceasefire negotiations in Doha have hit a deadlock. Prime Minister Netanyahu withdrew his top negotiating team, citing lack of progress. A smaller team remains in place. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the two sides remain far apart. Hamas accused Netanyahu of pretending to negotiate in bad faith. The war began with a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251. In response, Israel launched a devastating campaign in Gaza, which has since claimed over 53,000 Palestinian lives, primarily women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Rising West Bank Violence The conflict has also escalated violence in the occupied West Bank. In Bruqin, Israeli settlers reportedly attacked Palestinian residents on Thursday, torching vehicles and damaging homes. The U.N. confirmed that eight people were injured, mostly while trying to put out fires. Israeli strikes kill 51 in Gaza as limited aid begins to arrive Mustafa Khater, a local resident, said settler violence had been ongoing for days. He evacuated his family out of fear but stayed behind to protect their home. The West Bank has seen an upsurge in both settler and military violence since the Gaza war began, with large Israeli operations targeting militants, killing hundreds and displacing many, while also triggering Palestinian attacks on Israelis.