UN Condemns Gaza Blockade Amid Rising Civilian Deaths \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ At least 25 Palestinians, including children and women, were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, as the war enters its 18th month. The humanitarian crisis worsens amid aid blockades, school closures, and rising casualties. Meanwhile, Israel’s Supreme Court halted Netanyahu’s move to fire his security chief.
Quick Looks:
- Israeli strikes killed 58 Palestinians in 24 hours, including 25 overnight.
- Supreme Court temporarily blocks Netanyahu’s firing of Shin Bet chief.
- Israel orders six UN-run schools in East Jerusalem to close.
- UN says Gaza blockade violates Geneva Conventions.
- Israeli settlers torch Palestinian wedding hall in West Bank.
- Journalist Ahmed Mansour dies from Israeli airstrike wounds.
- Netanyahu calls for U.S. military intervention in Iran.
- Talks planned between Iran and U.S. envoy in Oman.
Deep Look
The war between Israel and Hamas escalated once again on Tuesday as Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 25 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, including eight children and five women. In total, 58 bodies were delivered to Gaza hospitals in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall Palestinian death toll to over 50,800, with more than 115,000 injured since the conflict began.
A strike on a home in Deir al-Balah killed 11 people, including children as young as two, while a separate bombing in Beit Lahiya flattened a house, killing a family of seven. Another four died in an open area strike near Gaza City, one of them reportedly engaged to be married next week.
Israel Cuts Aid, Closes Schools, and Faces UN Criticism
The United Nations continues to warn of a worsening humanitarian disaster. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared Israel is violating international law by blocking aid, food, and fuel to Gaza. Under the Fourth Geneva Convention, occupying powers must ensure access to humanitarian relief — a responsibility Israel is accused of ignoring.
“Gaza is a killing field — and civilians are in an endless death loop,” Guterres said.
Meanwhile, Israeli authorities ordered six UN-run schools in East Jerusalem to shut down within 30 days. About 800 Palestinian students are now at risk of missing the rest of the academic year. Israeli forces reportedly stormed the schools with heavily armed border police.
Violence Spreads in West Bank
In the West Bank, tensions flared further when a Palestinian wedding hall was set ablaze in the town of Biddya, reportedly by Israeli settlers. Graffiti reading “revenge” and “fight the enemy not the lover” in Hebrew was found sprayed on the charred building. Though no injuries were reported, Israeli authorities condemned the attack and opened an investigation.
Separately, Israeli forces fatally shot a Palestinian woman near an Israeli settlement after she allegedly threw rocks and attempted to stab soldiers. Rights groups argue that Israeli forces frequently use disproportionate force in such incidents.
Media Targeted: Gaza Journalist Killed in Airstrike
The toll on journalists continues to mount. Palestinian photojournalist Ahmed Mansour died from burns sustained in a Monday strike on a media tent outside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Two journalists were killed and five others injured in the blast. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted a Hamas operative posing as a journalist.
Supreme Court Blocks Netanyahu’s Move to Fire Security Chief
In a major political development, Israel’s Supreme Court halted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempt to dismiss Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service. The ruling grants Bar at least 12 more days in office and gives the government and attorney general until April 20 to propose a resolution.
The legal showdown comes amid tensions between the security agency and Netanyahu’s office, reportedly involving an investigation into ties with Qatar. Critics argue that Netanyahu’s attempt to fire Bar stems from a conflict of interest, especially as the Shin Bet continues its politically sensitive probes.
Netanyahu After Trump Meeting: Push for Iran Strike, Gaza Relocation
Following what he described as a “very warm” visit with President Donald Trump, Netanyahu renewed calls for military intervention in Iran, citing the success of U.S. operations in Libya as a model.
He also reiterated his support for Trump’s controversial plan to encourage Palestinians to leave Gaza for third countries and expressed willingness to work with Trump on opposing Turkish military expansion in Syria.
On trade, Netanyahu claimed Israel would eliminate its $7.4 billion trade deficit with the U.S., calling it “the least we can do” for a supportive American president.
U.S. and Iran Resume Indirect Nuclear Talks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that indirect talks with the U.S. would take place in Oman, facilitated by local mediators. The negotiations, the first under Trump’s current term, aim to address Iran’s rapidly expanding nuclear program. Tensions remain high as Tehran enriches uranium to 60% purity, a step from weapons-grade material.
Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign has renewed sanctions and warnings of potential military action if talks fail.
UN Condemns Gaza UN Condemns Gaza
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