In Gaza, the U.N. World Food Programme on Friday distributed food aid brought ashore by the U.S. military pier system for the first time since June 9.

A U.N. official, an Israeli official and a U.S. military commander met Wednesday and discussed restarting aid distribution in Gaza, where 12 million pounds of supplies have been sitting for 18 days.

NBC News was among a group of journalists granted access to the $230 million American-built pier system in Gaza for the first time.

© Maxar

© Leo Correa

Air Force enlistees Larry Hebert Jr. and Juan Bettancourt are requesting to be conscientious objectors over U.S. support of Israel in its ongoing war in Gaza.

© Mosheh Gains

© Mosheh Gains

© Laura León for NBC News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rebuked his own military after IDF spokesman Hagari said Hamas could not be eliminated.

© Saher Alghorra

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a new pact Wednesday that includes a pledge of mutual defense if either is attacked.

© VLADIMIR SMIRNOV

© KRISTINA KORMILITSYNA

© VLADIMIR SMIRNOV