Israeli Airstrike Kills 31 in Gaza's Nuseirat Camp

An Israeli airstrike killed 31 people in central Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp, according to the Palestinian territory's civil defense agency. The deadly strike came as US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan visited for talks on the conflict amid fears Gaza could descend into a protracted counterinsurgency campaign.

Israeli troops have advanced into the southern city of Rafah, described as the last Hamas stronghold where 800,000 civilians have been newly displaced by the fighting. Hamas forces fired mortars at Israeli troops stationed at the Rafah border crossing, a vital humanitarian aid corridor now closed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to defeat Hamas and secure the release of remaining hostages following the group's October 7 attack that sparked the war. But he faces opposition over a lack of a post-war plan, including from top ally Washington and protesters.

During his visit, Sullivan urged Netanyahu to link Israel's military operation to a "political strategy" for Gaza's future. The US has pushed for a post-war plan involving Palestinians and regional support, as well as a broader Israel-Saudi normalization deal.

The war's humanitarian toll has been catastrophic. Over half of Gaza's population has fled fighting, while dwindling aid deliveries raise famine fears, according to the UN Palestinian refugee agency chief. An activist convoy traveled to protect aid trucks after a series of attacks in Israel.

As the devastation mounts, the UN's humanitarian chief warned Gaza's "looming famine" is becoming an apocalyptic reality without urgent fuel deliveries.

Overall, the Israeli offensive has killed at least 35,456 Palestinians, mostly civilians based on Hamas health ministry data, in response to the unprecedented October 7 attack that left over 1,170 dead. 124 hostages also remain held by Hamas.