Gaza rescuers say Israeli strikes kill 88 as Hamas makes a plea to lift blockade

Israeli strikes in Gaza killed nearly 90 people on Friday, with Hamas urging the U.S. to pressure Israel to lift its aid blockade in exchange for a released U.S.-Israeli hostage. Since Israel reimposed a blockade in early March, aid agencies reported severe shortages, prompting U.S. President Trump to acknowledge the humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 53,000 deaths in Gaza, and with Hamas warning that the territory is “not for sale,” diplomatic efforts for aid access continue amid escalating military actions.