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 Saturday, 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 was used for launching attacks against its troops. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labelled Gaza City as Hamas's last major stronghold, but the plan to occupy the area has sparked international criticism.
The UN warns that escalating the offensive in a region already suffering from famine could lead to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Residents report that the Israeli military is targeting schools and makeshift shelters, often issuing warnings only moments before air strikes.
Families are moving in darkness toward western Gaza, as many feel trapped by the circumstances. Saly Tafeesh, a mother caught in the conflict, recounted escaping with her family, stating, We escaped certain death, my husband, our three children and I. The situation is compounded by the fact that many who wish to flee cannot afford the costs associated with evacuation.
The humanitarian toll continues to rise, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting that at least 142 people have died from starvation and malnutrition since the declaration of famine. Amidst complex diplomatic tensions, Qatari officials have condemned recent Israeli strikes targeting Hamas discussions in Doha, asserting that peace efforts are continually undermined.
The ongoing campaign in Gaza, a response to the Hamas-led attack on Israel last October, has resulted in high civilian casualties, with over 64,000 reported deaths. The conflict remains a focal point of international concern as both humanitarian needs and geopolitical tensions evolve.
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 Saturday, 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 was used for launching attacks against its troops. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labelled Gaza City as Hamas's last major stronghold, but the plan to occupy the area has sparked international criticism.
The UN warns that escalating the offensive in a region already suffering from famine could lead to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Residents report that the Israeli military is targeting schools and makeshift shelters, often issuing warnings only moments before air strikes.
Families are moving in darkness toward western Gaza, as many feel trapped by the circumstances. Saly Tafeesh, a mother caught in the conflict, recounted escaping with her family, stating, We escaped certain death, my husband, our three children and I. The situation is compounded by the fact that many who wish to flee cannot afford the costs associated with evacuation.
The humanitarian toll continues to rise, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting that at least 142 people have died from starvation and malnutrition since the declaration of famine. Amidst complex diplomatic tensions, Qatari officials have condemned recent Israeli strikes targeting Hamas discussions in Doha, asserting that peace efforts are continually undermined.
The ongoing campaign in Gaza, a response to the Hamas-led attack on Israel last October, has resulted in high civilian casualties, with over 64,000 reported deaths. The conflict remains a focal point of international concern as both humanitarian needs and geopolitical tensions evolve.
