Israeli Strikes Kill 23 Across Gaza Amid Blockade, Aid Shortages

Israeli airstrikes and shelling have caused significant casualties in Gaza, with at least 21 Palestinians killed in southern Gaza on a recent Saturday, including families targeted by drone strikes and extensive damage to homes. The World Food Programme reported looting of aid trucks in southern Gaza after Israeli airstrikes killed police officers securing the convoy. Overnight Israeli strikes on Thursday killed at least 23 people across Gaza, including in Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, and Jabaliya refugee camp, coinciding with minimal humanitarian aid allowed into the region amid a worsening blockade and famine risk for Gaza's 2 million residents. The attacks followed an incident where two Israeli Embassy staffers were shot in Washington, D.C., by a suspect citing support for Palestine, drawing condemnation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu also criticized international leaders from France, the UK, and Canada for proposing a Palestinian state and threatening sanctions on Israel, framing it as support for Hamas. The situation continues to draw international concern for the humanitarian crisis while Israel maintains its offensive aimed at Hamas and hostage recovery.