Escalating Violence in Israel and Gaza Conflict

Far-right Israelis clashed with Palestinians during an annual Jerusalem Day parade, chanting "death to Arabs" and assaulting Palestinians in the Old City. The event commemorates Israel's capture of East Jerusalem in the 1967 war. Israeli police intervened as violence broke out, detaining and removing aggressive marchers. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for the death penalty for "terrorists." Opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Yair Golan condemned the march, describing it as a display of "hatred and racism." The event coincided with Israel's ongoing war in Gaza and escalating military operations in the West Bank.

At least 54 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air strikes on Gaza overnight, with 35 reported dead after a strike on Fahmi Al-Jargawi School in Gaza City, which was sheltering hundreds of displaced people. The Israel Defense Forces said it targeted a Hamas and Islamic Jihad command and control centre, accusing Hamas of using civilians as human shields. The strike caused large fires and severe burns to victims, with multiple bodies recovered. A separate strike on a house in Jabalia killed 19 people. The attacks are part of a broader Israeli offensive, with the IDF saying it hit 200 targets across Gaza in 48 hours.

Israeli strikes killed at least 52 people in Gaza, including 36 in a school shelter, sparking controversy and concern over humanitarian aid. The Israeli military said it targeted Hamas militants operating from the school. The strike wounded over 55 people and set ablaze belongings of those sheltering there. Israel has renewed its offensive in Gaza, vowing to seize control and keep fighting until Hamas is destroyed. The conflict has displaced 90% of Gaza's population, destroyed vast areas, and killed around 54,000 Palestinians. Israel has allowed some humanitarian aid into Gaza after a 2.5-month blockade, but aid groups say it's insufficient. A new aid system, backed by Israel and the US, is set to begin operations despite concerns from UN agencies and aid groups that it will not meet local needs and may violate humanitarian principles.