Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky said Thursday night that the United States should stop all military aid to Israel, citing mounting civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip. Newsweek reached out to Massie's office via email Thursday for comment.

Israel said the newly announced settlements​ in the occupied West Bank would include the legalization of outposts already built without government authorization.

Israel is facing growing international pressure as aid distribution efforts in Gaza devolved into chaos during the first days of a controversial new mechanism backed by the United States and Israel.

Israel says it will authorize 22 Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. They would include new settlements and the legalization of outposts already built without government authorization.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that 22 new settlements will be established in the West Bank.

Israel approved a massive expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank this week in a move described as a continuation of de facto annexation of the territory.

Mohammad Sinwar, Hamas's Gaza leader and brother of slain commander Yahya Sinwar, has been confirmed dead by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.