Local residents and eyewitnesses say dozens of Israeli tanks and military vehicles have pushed into a major residential district of Gaza City, on the second day of Israel's ground offensive aimed at occupying the area. Video footage shows tanks, bulldozers, and armored personnel carriers moving on the edges of Sheikh Radwan, in northern Gaza City. Thick clouds of smoke can be seen as Israeli forces fire artillery shells and smoke bombs to cover their advance. The Sheikh Radwan district was home to tens of thousands of people before the war and is considered one of the city's most densely populated areas.
Israel says the aim of its Gaza City offensive is to free hostages held by Hamas and defeat up to 3,000 fighters in what it describes as the group's last stronghold - but the operation has drawn widespread international condemnation. The leaders of more than 20 major aid agencies, including Save the Children and Oxfam, warned that the inhumanity of the situation in Gaza is unconscionable.
Residents in Sheikh Radwan said Wednesday's incursion followed a wave of heavy airstrikes targeting buildings and main streets across the neighborhood, in what appeared to be preparation for the ground assault. Saad Hamada, a local resident who fled south with his family earlier on Wednesday, told the BBC: The drones didn't leave anything. They hit solar panels, power generators, water tanks, even the internet network. Life became impossible, and that is what forced most people to leave despite the danger.
The incursion has triggered further displacement, with thousands fleeing south. Long lines of cars loaded with belongings were seen as the Israeli army opened evacuation routes, highlighting the desperate conditions faced by civilians amid escalating violence. Aid agencies warn of severe humanitarian crises as limited shelter options crowd existing facilities beyond capacity.
This military campaign marks a critical and alarming phase in Israel's actions in Gaza, raising questions about humanitarian impacts and the long-term implications for the region.
Israel says the aim of its Gaza City offensive is to free hostages held by Hamas and defeat up to 3,000 fighters in what it describes as the group's last stronghold - but the operation has drawn widespread international condemnation. The leaders of more than 20 major aid agencies, including Save the Children and Oxfam, warned that the inhumanity of the situation in Gaza is unconscionable.
Residents in Sheikh Radwan said Wednesday's incursion followed a wave of heavy airstrikes targeting buildings and main streets across the neighborhood, in what appeared to be preparation for the ground assault. Saad Hamada, a local resident who fled south with his family earlier on Wednesday, told the BBC: The drones didn't leave anything. They hit solar panels, power generators, water tanks, even the internet network. Life became impossible, and that is what forced most people to leave despite the danger.
The incursion has triggered further displacement, with thousands fleeing south. Long lines of cars loaded with belongings were seen as the Israeli army opened evacuation routes, highlighting the desperate conditions faced by civilians amid escalating violence. Aid agencies warn of severe humanitarian crises as limited shelter options crowd existing facilities beyond capacity.
This military campaign marks a critical and alarming phase in Israel's actions in Gaza, raising questions about humanitarian impacts and the long-term implications for the region.
