A U.S. security envoy engaged in discussions with Israeli officials regarding a shift in the military approach in Gaza, emphasizing precision operations against Hamas while moving away from a broader ground campaign. The talks took place as reports emerged of intense attacks across the narrow coastal strip on Friday.
Israeli tanks and planes intensified their bombardment, targeting northern Gaza as well as Khan Younis and Rafah in the south. Tragically, a house in Khan Younis was hit in an Israeli airstrike, resulting in the loss of four lives, including two children, and injuries to several others.
The Palestinian health officials reported numerous casualties from overnight Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis and Rafah. One strike hit a housing block near the Kuwaiti hospital in Rafah.
Live footage from southern Gaza revealed thick plumes of smoke rising into the air on Friday morning, though the cause was not immediately known.
Meanwhile, Israeli special forces announced the recovery of the body of Elia Toledano, a 28-year-old hostage held by Hamas since October 7. The military conducted an “identification procedure” involving medical officials, military rabbis, and forensic experts.
As the conflict continues, with no sign of a ceasefire, the United States is urging Israel to shift its focus to lower-intensity operations targeting high-value objectives. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan discussed these potential changes during his visit to Israel, emphasizing the need to protect civilians.
The official also highlighted detailed discussions about efforts to rescue remaining hostages in Gaza and a shared understanding that the future of Gaza should be Palestinian-led. Sullivan emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, and Israeli defense officials provided a briefing on their efforts to distinguish the civilian population from Hamas.
President Biden has called for a focus on saving civilian lives while continuing efforts against Hamas. The U.S. has been urging Israel to do more to protect civilians in Gaza’s population of 2.3 million.
Sullivan also emphasized the need for a “revamped and revitalized” Palestinian Authority government to connect the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. He is set to discuss these matters with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Protests demanding a ceasefire took place in various U.S. cities, with demonstrators urging restraint and holding signs reading “Let Gaza Live” and “Not in our name.”
In the occupied West Bank, Israeli troops faced criticism for their actions in Jenin, where they killed a youth at a hospital and read Jewish prayers at a mosque during raids. The Palestinian government condemned the operation as a “dangerous escalation,” particularly the desecration of the mosque. Israel’s army announced plans to discipline the soldiers involved.
These developments come as allies of Israel, supporting its actions against Hamas in Gaza, have called for restraint and accountability for Israeli settlers accused of armed attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
