Israeli drone strike on busy Gaza City street kills 44 Palestinians, including five children, escalating violence in blockaded territory.

Meanwhile, US Navy loses $60 million F/A-18 fighter jet in Red Sea during operations against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who claim retaliatory drone and missile attacks on USS Harry S. Truman.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemns Israel, reaffirming support for Palestinian rights amid International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings on Gaza aid blockade.

Israeli forces targeted Al-Ghafari Junction in central Gaza, leaving dozens dead and wounded. No military targets confirmed, sparking accusations of indiscriminate attacks. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports 51,439 killed, 117,416 injured since October 2023.

Israel’s blockade, now in its 60th day, halts food, fuel, and medical supplies, pushing enclave toward famine. UN’s World Food Programme warns kitchens will exhaust stocks within days. At ICJ, Palestinian representatives accuse Israel of using starvation as weapon, while Israel denounces hearings as biased.

In Yemen, US Navy confirms F/A-18 jet crashed into Red Sea during landing attempt on USS Harry S. Truman, valued at 729 crore BDT. Incident follows Houthi drone and missile strikes on carrier, though damage remains unclear.

Houthi rebels retaliating for US airstrikes killing 68 in Saada province, vow to escalate attacks until Israel lifts Gaza blockade. CNN reports Houthi claims of targeting US warships, signaling deepening regional conflict.

Turkey’s Erdogan, addressing cabinet in Ankara, slams Israel’s “brutal” actions, praising Palestinian resilience in Gaza, West Bank, and East Jerusalem. “Palestinians have legitimate rights,” he asserts, condemning occupation and violence. Erdogan’s stance aligns with regional powers like Egypt, which at ICJ accused Israel of “systematic” aid weaponization. Houthi leaders echo solidarity, tying Red Sea attacks to Palestinian cause.

ICJ hearings spotlight Israel’s aid restrictions, with UN officials warning of “desperate” conditions. Amjad Shawa, Palestinian NGO director, says community kitchens face collapse without supplies. Israel defends blockade, citing security, but faces global outcry.

Canada’s PM Mark Carney urges Israel to allow World Food Programme access, warning of child malnutrition surge. As Middle East tensions rise, fears grow of wider conflict involving Iran-backed groups like Houthis and Hezbollah.

Read more: Hamas Offers to Release All Israeli Hostages in Exchange for Five-Year Ceasefire

UN calls for restraint, but Gaza’s death toll mounts, Yemen’s clashes intensify, and diplomatic solutions remain elusive. Erdogan’s vocal support underscores Turkey’s role in rallying Palestinian cause while US and Israel face mounting pressure to address humanitarian crisis.