At least 37 Palestinians, including a journalist, were killed in fresh Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Monday, amid growing international concern over the deepening humanitarian crisis in the territory. The death toll follows a deadly Sunday in which at least 44 more people were killed.
Among the casualties, 22 deaths were reported in central and southern Gaza. One particularly tragic strike in Khan Yunis hit a tent used by journalists within the Nasser Hospital compound, killing two—including a well-known Palestinian journalist—and injuring nine others.
Footage from the aftermath showed people attempting to extinguish flames engulfing the tent. Images circulating online appeared to show a journalist on fire, with another person trying to save him.
The Israeli military later claimed the strike targeted Hassan Aslih, who they alleged was a Hamas operative working under the guise of journalism. Aslih, widely known in Gaza and followed by hundreds of thousands on social media, was critically injured in the attack. Gaza medics confirmed his condition and reported a second death in the same strike.
Ismail al-Thawabta, director of the Hamas-run Gaza government media office, refuted Israel’s claims, stating that Aslih had no political affiliation and calling the allegations “false.”
The killing of Aslih brings the number of journalists killed since October 2023 to more than 210, according to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate. 
Violence Spreads Beyond Gaza
In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian-American boy on Monday, further inflaming tensions across the region.
Meanwhile, in southern Lebanon, an Israeli airstrike killed one person in the town of Taybeh, near the border. Israel claimed it had “eliminated” a Hezbollah commander in the strike. The Lebanese health ministry said the attack hit a location in front of a motorcycle repair shop in the Marjayoun district. On Sunday, two people were also killed by Israeli strikes in Zibqin.
The escalation comes as U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus wrapped up a visit to Beirut, where she called for Hezbollah and other armed groups to be disarmed “as soon as possible.” Ortagus held meetings with Lebanon’s top political leaders and reaffirmed U.S. support for Lebanese state security forces taking charge.
Macron Pushes Back on Annexation Plans
In Cairo, French President Emmanuel Macron met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and firmly rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians or annex Gaza or the West Bank.
“We are firmly opposed to the displacement of populations and to any annexation of both Gaza and the West Bank,” Macron said. “This would be a violation of international law and a serious threat to the security of the entire region, including Israel.”
Macron also stressed that Hamas should play no role in the governance of Gaza and reiterated support for a post-war reconstruction plan backed by the Arab League.
His remarks appeared to challenge a controversial proposal floated by Donald Trump earlier this year, suggesting the relocation of Gazans to Egypt or Jordan—a plan rejected by Arab governments and the Palestinians. Trump later softened his stance, stating he was not “forcing” the idea.
Netanyahu Meets Trump Amid Diplomatic Push
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Monday to meet Trump, becoming the first foreign leader to do so since the former president’s “Liberation Day” tariffs announcement rocked global markets.
Netanyahu was expected to seek tariff relief and discuss strategies on Iran and Gaza. The visit comes in the wake of a collapsed ceasefire in Gaza, brokered by the U.S., which has since seen renewed Israeli air and ground offensives that have killed nearly 1,400 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians.
