Israel's offensive against Hamas in Gaza continued on Friday, with gunfire and air strikes hitting the city of Khan Yunis. The conflict, which began with unprecedented Hamas attacks on October 7, has resulted in mass displacement, food and medical shortages, and widespread destruction. The war has led to the deaths of many Palestinians, with Israel vowing to destroy Hamas in response. The United Nations has warned of the urgent need for improved aid access in Gaza, as famine and disease loom.

The living conditions in Gaza have been described as "inhumane," with the lack of drinking water, clean toilets, and clean surroundings contributing to the spread of Hepatitis A, according to the World Health Organization. As Israel's military offensive moves farther south in the territory, some residents in northern Gaza have begun to return home to what remains of their neighborhoods. However, they are faced with the struggle for survival amidst the destruction and shortages. The United States and Israel are at odds over the post-war future of Gaza.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reiterated the need for a pathway to a Palestinian state, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has opposed this idea, insisting on security control over the entire territory west of the Jordan River. As the conflict in Gaza continues, tensions have also escalated in the surrounding region, with Iran-aligned groups carrying out attacks and a surge in violence in the occupied West Bank.

The conflict has also spilled into the Red Sea area, with Yemeni Huthi rebels carrying out attacks on shipping in support of Palestinians in Gaza. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with continued fighting and widespread destruction plaguing the region. The international community continues to grapple with the ongoing crisis and the urgent need for humanitarian aid and a path to peace in the region.