Israeli forces have stepped up their assault on Gaza City with a wave of heavy air strikes, marking a sharp escalation from previous military operations. Unlike earlier phases of the war, the current offensive has relied heavily on aerial bombardments, with entire apartment blocks and large concrete structures reduced to rubble.
The intensification of strikes in recent days has triggered a surge in civilian displacement. Israel has warned all residents of Gaza City to leave immediately in anticipation of a huge ground offensive.
On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said about 250,000 people had left the city and moved south. It also said it had destroyed a high-rise building that it claimed had been used for terrorist activities against its troops. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Gaza City is Hamas's last major stronghold, but this plan has drawn international condemnation.
UN officials have warned that the intensifying offensive in an already famine-stricken area will push civilians into an even deeper catastrophe. Residents criticize the Israeli military for targeting schools and makeshift shelters, often issuing warnings just moments before bombardments.
Many families, including Saly Tafeesh’s, have been forced to flee in darkness toward western Gaza. Funds to evacuate are inconsistent, with the journey costing up to $1,100 and Hamas discouraging residents from leaving. Rubein Khaled spoke of his frustrations over state institutions urging solidarity in a context where safety is being undermined.
The situation remains dire, with many families now seeking refuge across its borders as the Israeli military seeks to dismantle entire districts. The attack has garnered a barrage of criticism on the international stage, particularly concerning civilian casualties and humanitarian issues.
