Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least 25 people, including children and hospital workers. The strikes come as the new US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, made his first public appearance in Jerusalem. Huckabee visited the Western Wall, a holy site for Jews, and inserted a prayer into the wall.
Huckabee stated that President Donald Trump told him to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. He also said every effort is being made to bring home the remaining hostages held by Hamas. However, Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas’ negotiating delegation, rejected Israel’s latest proposal and reiterated Hamas’ stance that it will return hostages only in exchange for the release of more Palestinian prisoners.
The Israeli government demands that Hamas release more hostages at the start of any new ceasefire and agrees to disarm and leave the territory. The blockade of Gaza has been criticized as a “starvation tactic,” with thousands of children becoming malnourished due to the lack of food and aid.
Palestinian Christians marked Good Friday in Gaza, where they have seen significant losses since the start of the war in October 2023. Israel’s offensive has killed over 51,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and destroyed vast parts of Gaza. The US ambassador’s arrival comes at a pivotal time as international mediators try to get a broken ceasefire back on track.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-04-18-2025-4b267bb6600d0a41f899815bf3361563