The Israeli military has launched a massive assault on Gaza City, flattening a high-rise building for the second time in two days. The military warned residents to flee south to a “humanitarian zone” ahead of a planned offensive to capture the area. Despite calls to abandon the plan, Israel has stepped up air strikes and operations on the city’s outskirts, sparking fears of worsening humanitarian conditions.
The Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, shared a video of the building’s destruction, stating, “We’re continuing.” The military claims that Hamas terrorists installed intelligence gathering equipment and observation posts in the building to monitor Israeli troops, and they have taken measures to mitigate harm to civilians.
However, residents are skeptical about the safety of the designated humanitarian zone, Al-Mawasi. Many believe it makes little difference whether they stay or flee, as bombings and deaths occur everywhere in Gaza. Abdel Nasser Mushtaha, a 48-year-old resident, said, “Some say we should evacuate, others say we should stay.” His daughter, Samia Mushtaha, 20, added, “Wherever we go, death pursues us, whether by bombing or hunger.”
The conflict has resulted in significant displacement, with nearly one million people remaining in and around Gaza City, and the vast majority of Gaza’s population of over two million people displaced at least once during the war. The UN has declared a famine in Gaza City and warned of a looming “disaster” if the assault proceeds.
The Israeli military’s actions have sparked international concern, with mounting domestic and international pressure to end the nearly two-year war in Gaza. Hamas agreed to a proposal for a temporary ceasefire and staggered hostage releases, but Israel has demanded the militant group release all hostages at once, disarm, and relinquish control of Gaza, among other conditions.
