Israeli Airstrikes Kill 25 in Gaza Amid Huckabee’s Diplomatic Debut/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israeli airstrikes killed at least 25 people in Gaza Friday, including women and children, hospital sources said. The attacks came as Mike Huckabee made his first appearance as U.S. ambassador to Israel. His visit coincides with renewed hostilities and faltering ceasefire efforts.
Gaza Strikes and Huckabee’s Visit – Quick Look
- At least 25 killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza
- Victims include children and a pregnant woman, according to hospitals
- Mike Huckabee makes his first appearance as U.S. ambassador to Israel
- Huckabee delivers Trump’s handwritten prayer at Jerusalem’s Western Wall
- Ceasefire talks falter as Hamas rejects Israel’s latest hostage deal
- Over 51,000 Palestinians killed in war, Gaza Health Ministry reports
- Israel maintains a six-week blockade, worsening the humanitarian crisis
- Aid groups warn of malnutrition, displacement, and lack of access to food
Israeli Strikes in Gaza Leave 25 Dead as U.S. Ambassador Huckabee Steps In
Deep Looks
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A wave of Israeli airstrikes across Gaza killed at least 25 people early Friday, local hospitals reported, as newly appointed U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee made his first public appearance in Jerusalem.
Ten people died in Jabaliya, including eight from a single household, according to the Indonesian Hospital. Another seven were killed in Khan Younis, among them a pregnant woman, officials at Nasser Hospital said.
These deaths come just a day after dozens more were killed, underscoring a resurgence in Israeli military action aimed at pressuring Hamas to release remaining hostages and lay down arms.
Huckabee’s First Steps as Ambassador
In Jerusalem, Ambassador Mike Huckabee visited the Western Wall, placing a prayer note he said was handwritten by President Donald Trump, marked with “D.T.” initials.
“President Trump told me my first act should be to pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” Huckabee said.
He also pledged to work on bringing hostages home. Huckabee, a former presidential candidate and staunch supporter of Israel, once backed full annexation of the West Bank — though he now says that decision is not within his diplomatic scope.
Ceasefire Efforts in Crisis
Huckabee’s arrival coincides with a pivotal moment in the 18-month conflict as ceasefire negotiations stall. International mediators, including the U.S., are attempting to revive a January truce agreement that has since collapsed.
Israel demands Hamas first release hostages and ultimately disarm and leave Gaza. But Hamas rejected Israel’s latest proposal, reiterating its demands for:
- Release of Palestinian prisoners
- Full Israeli withdrawal
- A permanent ceasefire
Hamas holds 59 hostages, with 24 believed to be alive, following the group’s Oct. 7, 2023 attack that killed around 1,200 people and captured 251.
Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis Mount
Since the war began, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 51,000 deaths, most of them women and children. Nearly 90% of Gaza’s population is now displaced, with many living in tents or the ruins of bombed-out neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, Israel’s six-week blockade of food and aid has drawn increasing international alarm. The United Nations says many Gazans now survive on one meal or less per day, with rising child malnutrition.
“This blockade is a core pressure tactic,” said Israel’s Defense Minister, arguing it cuts off resources to Hamas.
But humanitarian groups say there’s no evidence of widespread aid diversion and label the policy a form of “collective starvation.”
War Timeline Highlights
- Oct. 7, 2023: Hamas attacks Israel, killing 1,200 and capturing 251
- 2023–2025: Israel launches broad offensive; over 51,000 reported dead in Gaza
- Jan. 2025: Ceasefire agreed, later collapses
- Apr. 2025: Huckabee becomes U.S. ambassador; Gaza strikes intensify
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