The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued an evacuation warning on Friday, urging Palestinian residents in the northern and central Gaza Strip to leave the area immediately. In a statement shared on social media, the IDF emphasized efforts to dismantle militant operations in the region.
According to Palestinian sources, at least 40 Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire and shelling across the Gaza Strip on Friday. Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli forces opened fire on thousands of civilians waiting for food near an aid distribution center north of Rafah in southern Gaza. Medics from Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis confirmed seven fatalities and dozens of injuries, some critical.
In a separate incident, Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat stated that one Palestinian was killed and 39 others were injured after the Israeli army opened fire on people waiting for aid in central Gaza. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense, reported at least 32 deaths across the enclave due to Israeli airstrikes and shelling. The Israeli army has not commented on these incidents.
Meanwhile, Hamas on Friday called on the United Nations to establish an international committee to investigate the killing of Palestinians near aid distribution centers in Gaza. The group described the actions as “a blatant crime and further evidence of the brutality of the occupation,” urging the resumption of aid distribution operated by the UN and international humanitarian organizations.
On the diplomatic front, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he believes a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas could be achieved within a week. Speaking to reporters, Trump said, “I think it’s close. I just spoke to some of the people involved. We think within the next week we’re going to get a ceasefire.”
He did not specify whom he had spoken to, but he previously mentioned being in contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas has expressed willingness to release remaining hostages in Gaza under a deal to end the war, while Israel maintains that the conflict can only conclude if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday called for a ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. “The suffering of Palestinians in Gaza must not be pushed into the shadows,” Guterres said. “It is time to find the political courage for a ceasefire in Gaza.”
Since the escalation began on October 7, Israeli military operations have resulted in a dire humanitarian situation. “Families have been displaced again and again and are now confined to less than one-fifth of Gaza’s land,” Guterres noted. “Even these shrinking spaces are under threat.”
Guterres appealed for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and full, safe, and sustained humanitarian access. “Let us bring in the life-saving supplies. Let us reach people where they are,” he urged. “And let us recognize that the solution to this problem is ultimately political.”
The conflict has drawn widespread international condemnation, with calls for both sides to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
