Gaza City, April 19, 2025 — In a devastating escalation of violence, at least 25 people, including children, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Friday. The attacks targeted several locations across the region, including the southern city of Khan Younis and the Jabalia refugee camp, where casualties have been reported.
Casualties in Gaza: Airstrikes Intensify
Medical staff at Nasser Hospital reported that 15 people were killed in three separate airstrikes in Khan Younis, which included the death of a pregnant woman. According to reports from the Indonesian Hospital, ten of the deceased were identified as residents of the Jabalia refugee camp. This latest round of attacks comes a day after several other casualties were reported as the Israeli strikes intensified across Gaza.
The escalating violence has drawn widespread international concern, with many nations calling for an immediate ceasefire. The region has been embroiled in conflict for more than 18 months, as Hamas and Israel continue their bitter confrontation.
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee Attends Jerusalem Event
On the Israeli side, the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, made a highly symbolic appearance at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Friday. This marked Huckabee’s first public appearance in the city since his appointment. During his visit, Huckabee attached a prayer note to the wall, which he confirmed had been personally written by US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to the press, Huckabee shared that President Trump had specifically asked him to bring the prayer to Jerusalem in a gesture of hope for peace in the region. “This message is a symbol of our commitment to the peace process, and we continue to work toward the safe return of hostages held by Hamas,” Huckabee said.
The visit came at a critical time, as international mediators, including the United States, are intensifying efforts to broker a ceasefire and bring an end to the violence.
Israel’s Proposal Rejected by Hamas
As the conflict rages on, Israel has put forward a new proposal for a temporary ceasefire. The Israeli government has demanded that Hamas release more hostages before any truce can be established. Additionally, Israel has outlined plans to take control of large security zones within Gaza.
However, Khalil al-Hayya, the head of Hamas’ negotiation delegation, rejected the Israeli proposal. Al-Hayya reiterated that Hamas would only agree to release additional hostages if Palestinian prisoners were freed in return, and if Israel withdrew its forces completely from Gaza. The Palestinian group also insists that a permanent ceasefire be agreed upon as part of any deal, in line with the January ceasefire agreement.
Currently, Hamas holds 59 hostages, of whom it is believed that 24 are alive. The issue of prisoner exchange remains one of the major sticking points in the ongoing negotiations.
International Pressure for Ceasefire
The United States, along with international mediators, has called for a return to the negotiating table and an immediate halt to hostilities. The conflict has led to thousands of deaths on both sides, and concerns over further escalation are rising. Humanitarian organizations have warned that the civilian toll continues to climb, and the region remains in urgent need of international intervention.
As the situation continues to unfold, the global community is watching closely, hoping for a diplomatic breakthrough that will finally end the violence and bring lasting peace to the region.
