40 dead in latest Israeli strikes near Gaza City
JERUSALEM – AFP
Gaza’s health ministry on Friday reported 40 dead in Israeli strikes near Gaza City and “dozens” more in the northern Jabalia refugee camp and Khan Yunis.
Israeli forces have encircled major urban centres as they seek to “destroy Hamas”, making much-needed aid deliveries to Gaza almost impossible.
Its army said it had struck more than 450 targets over a 24-hour period.
– Blinken urges civilian protection –
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called on Israel to do more to protect Gaza civilians.
“It remains imperative that Israel put a premium on civilian protection,” Blinken said. “There does remain a gap between… the intent to protect civilians and the actual results.”