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) reported that about 250,000 people had already fled the city, moving south. They also noted the destruction of a high-rise building alleged to have been used for attacks on Israeli troops. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Gaza City the last major stronghold of Hamas, while international criticism for the military's actions grows.
The UN has warned that intensified offensive actions in an area already experiencing famine will push civilians into deeper catastrophe. Residents claim targeting of schools and makeshift shelters is occurring, often with little warning before bombings.
Many families have found themselves forced to flee in darkness toward western Gaza. Mother Saly Tafeesh expressed despair as she recounted her flight, saying, We escaped certain death; my husband, our three children and I ran in the dark to the west of Gaza. With costs for evacuation journeys cited at up to $1,100, many families citing an inability to afford such prices remain trapped amidst the conflict.
Meanwhile, frustration mounts among civilians, with some calling into question the responses from both Hamas and the Israeli government. Despite the chaos, Hamas continues to push for residents to stay put, while others lament their dire situation, feeling cornered by both sides.
As the conflict continues, reports indicate a devastating toll on the civilian population, with Gaza health officials reporting significant casualties amid government operations.
The recent airstrikes not only highlight the ongoing tension but underscore the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and political resolution to this protracted crisis.
