Israel Gaza Airstrikes Spark Aid Site Violence, Internal Unrest

Tensions remain high in Gaza following the rejection of a U.S. ceasefire proposal by Hamas, with airstrikes continuing and disputed reports of violence near aid distribution sites. Israel denies firing on civilians near these sites and has released drone footage alleging armed attacks in the area. Within Israel, divisions over the Gaza war are deepening, with increasing antiwar protests, open letters from military members and academics criticizing the government's strategy, and growing refusal of military service, although widespread support for harsh measures against Gaza persists among the Israeli public. Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, blame Hamas for perpetuating the conflict due to their refusal to release hostages or disarm, while former U.S. envoys criticize the ceasefire proposal. Meanwhile, Israel's military actions in Syria, including strikes and base establishments in buffer zones, raise concerns about strategic risks and exacerbate regional tensions. French President Macron and others advocating for an end to the war face backlash from the Israeli government, which views calls for ceasefire as threatening to the country's security.