Deadly Gaza strike kills 77 as Israel presses to clear Gaza City

Deadly Gaza strike kills 77 as Israel presses to clear Gaza City

At least 77 Palestinians were killed in Gaza City on Friday as Israeli forces intensified air and ground operations across northern Gaza, according to health officials in the territory. The day’s assault marked one of the deadliest since the latest phase of fighting began earlier this summer. The Israeli military said it had conducted “targeted operations” against Hamas infrastructure and claimed progress in efforts to retake areas in and around Gaza City.

US blocks Palestinian leaders from attending UN meeting in New York

US blocks Palestinian leaders from attending UN meeting in New York

The Trump administration has barred Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and about 80 senior officials from attending next month’s United Nations General Assembly in New York, citing their push for international recognition of Palestinian statehood and alleged failure to repudiate terrorism. The U.S. State Department confirmed on Friday that visas had been revoked or denied for members of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the decision was in line with U.S. law and accused Palestinian leaders of undermining peace efforts.