Israeli Forces Seize 40% of Gaza City Amidst Rising Conflict
The Israeli armed forces confirmed on Thursday they have gained control over approximately 40% of Gaza City. This the largest city within the Palestinian region is on the brink of a full-scale Israeli takeover following almost two years of an escalating conflict. Despite the growing international outcry to cease operations, Israel has stepped up its assaults on Gaza City’s northern areas as part of their impending offensive strategy.
Reports emerging on Thursday from the civil defense agency in Gaza claimed that Israeli assaults resulted in over 30 fatalities in the city. These casualties were part of a broader death toll that day, with at least 64 Palestinians losing their lives across different parts of the Gaza Strip.
Humanitarian crisis looms large as over two million people in Gaza face severe living conditions amidst the conflict. Echoing this sentiment, a leading figure in the European Union labeled the situation as ‘genocide’. This term faced strong dissent from Israel, however, it has been resonating with several governments and human rights organizations globally.
An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that they’ve laid claim to about 40% of Gaza City. Venturing further, they declared the attacks would not only persist but become more intense in the days to come. Meanwhile, an increasing number of Gazan people have been displaced more than once since the beginning of the conflict.
The anticipation of further aggression is feared to impel approximately one million Palestinians to move away from Gaza City towards the south. The remarks of the higher-ups and the Israeli military moves suggest they anticipate the upcoming offensive will force more displacement.
One month back the United Nations proclaimed a famine engulfing Gaza City and its neighboring areas, where they estimate close to a million people reside. This addition to the already worsened situation makes the need for peace more urgent.
In an unfortunate incident on Thursday, an Israeli airstrike hit a makeshift shelter for a displaced Palestinian family in Gaza City. The devastating strike claimed five lives, including three children. The Israeli military acknowledged the strike but claimed to have aimed at an ‘Hamas’ operative, expressing ‘regret’ for any unintentional civilian damage caused.
A heart-breaking scene unfolded as a woman staying in a nearby tent recounted her witnessing of the tent next to hers catching fire. The chaos didn’t end there. Gaza City’s main hospital was soon receiving casualties.
The hospital’s morgue painted a grim picture. Bodies, wrapped in clear white shrouds, were kept on the floor. A heart-wrenching scene where a mother gently touched the head of her deceased son, lying outside on a stretcher, left many in tears. ‘Who are you leaving me to, son? Why? Why?’ she sobbed uncontrollably.
A similar disaster occurred in a refugee camp in the central part of Gaza. The civil defence reported another Israeli air strike that resulted in seven fatalities, including three children. However, the Israeli military expressed ignorance of any such incident.
Survivors and onlookers provided first-hand narratives of the devastation and emotional toll. The assault from Hamas reportedly led to the demise of 1,219 individuals, predominantly civilians, as per an independent count.
In retaliation, Israel’s counter-offensive claimed the lives of approximately 64,231 Palestinians. The majority of these victims were uninvolved civilians, as per the reports from the health ministry situated in the Hamas governed Gaza region. These reports are considered trustworthy by the United Nations.
Meanwhile, a statement from Hamas revealed that key functionaries from the group, backed by Iran, convened in Doha. Here, they discussed strategies with Iran’s Foreign Minister to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war.