At least 11 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza

Palestinian officials report deadly airstrikes, drawing global outcry

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed at least 11 Palestinians, according to Palestinian officials. The strikes targeted what the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said were terror sites, citing violations of a ceasefire by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The attacks have drawn global condemnation, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) saying 'unconditional' U.S. aid to Israel 'enabled a genocide' in Gaza.

Why it matters

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians and widespread destruction of infrastructure, sparking international outrage over Israel's military actions. The latest strikes further escalate tensions and raise questions about the role of U.S. aid to Israel and the potential for a political shift in Washington's stance.

The details

According to reports, one airstrike hit an encampment with displaced families, killing four people, while another strike in Khan Younis left five others dead. The IDF said the attacks targeted terror sites in response to ceasefire violations by Hamas. The conflict has raged for over two years, with Israel's military actions drawing criticism from global leaders and U.S. politicians like Ocasio-Cortez, who said unconditional aid 'enabled a genocide' in Gaza.

  • The latest airstrikes occurred on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
  • The Israel-Hamas war began over two years ago.

The players

Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

The military force of Israel, responsible for the airstrikes on Gaza.

Hamas

The Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza, which the IDF claims violated a ceasefire.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)

A U.S. Congresswoman who criticized 'unconditional' U.S. aid to Israel, saying it 'enabled a genocide' in Gaza.

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What they’re saying

“Personally, the United States has an obligation to uphold its own laws, particularly Leahy laws. And I think that, personally, that the idea of completely unconditional aid, no matter what one does, does not make sense. I think it enabled a genocide in Gaza, and I think that we have thousands of women and children dead that was completely avoidable.”

— Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. Congresswoman (Haaretz)

The takeaway

The latest deadly Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have reignited global outrage over the ongoing conflict, with calls for the U.S. to reevaluate its unconditional military aid to Israel. The situation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics and humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region, with significant political implications both domestically and internationally.