Local residents and eyewitnesses report that dozens of Israeli tanks and military vehicles have pushed into a major residential area of Gaza City, marking the second day of Israel's ground offensive aimed at occupying the region. The Sheikh Radwan district, known for its high population density, was home to tens of thousands of people prior to the conflict.
Video footage has shown tanks, bulldozers, and armored personnel carriers advancing on the outskirts of Sheikh Radwan, accompanied by smoke clouds from artillery shells and smoke bombs used to shroud their movements.
Israel claims the purpose of its offensive is to free hostages held by Hamas and to dismantle what it describes as the group’s last stronghold. However, this military action has sparked widespread international criticism.
The leaders of over 20 major aid agencies, including Save the Children and Oxfam, have highlighted the inhumanity of the situation unfolding in Gaza.
Residents of Sheikh Radwan reported that the incursion followed overwhelming airstrikes across the neighborhood, which seemed to serve as a prelude to the ground assault. One local resident, Saad Hamada, expressed despair at the devastation witnessed: 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.
At the heart of the assault, Sheikh Radwan, which includes several key localities, connects central Gaza City to the northern districts and an Israeli occupation could potentially open pathways for deeper incursions into the city. Witnesses have described the alarming sight of military tanks on city streets, evoking memories of prior invasions that resulted in widespread destruction.
The incursion has triggered another wave of displacement, with thousands fleeing south. Long queues of vehicles loaded with personal belongings have been seen as families attempt to escape the conflict while enduring long waits and costly transport.
Before the escalation, Sheikh Radwan was filled with schools, markets, and community resources, now significantly impacted by continuous military operations.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they targeted over 150 sites across Gaza City in support of ground troops. Reports indicate that they are employing modified vehicles rigged with explosives to be controlled remotely and deployed at Hamas positions.
Aid groups warn that the overcrowding in the defined humanitarian area will be detrimental, as the influx of displaced people overwhelmed available resources. Many residents noted that despite being instructed to evacuate, they found no refuge or services in the safer areas.
As of now, it’s estimated that around 650,000 people remain amid the turmoil following the deadly attacks since early October that resulted in severe casualties among civilians.
International observers continue to voice concerns regarding the deteriorating humanitarian situation as the conflict escalates further.
