In a devastating escalation on Sunday, Israeli forces blew up residential buildings in Gaza City, killing at least 31 Palestinians. Among the victims were a pregnant woman and her two children, according to Gazan health authorities. 💔
The Israeli military says it is targeting what it calls Hamas strongholds, describing Gaza City as the “last bastion” of the group. Tanks rolled into the densely populated neighbourhood of Tel Al-Hawa, prompting mass displacement as residents fled for safety. 🏃♀️🏃♂️
“The mother, the boy, the girl, and the baby in her womb – we found them all gone,” mourned Mosallam Al-Hadad, whose son was also seriously injured in the strike. This human tragedy highlights the toll on civilians caught in the crossfire. 😢
Israel reports it has killed “numerous” militants in recent operations and located weapons caches. Meanwhile, Hamas disputes some of the figures, saying about 900,000 people remain in the city despite calls to evacuate. The Israeli military estimates over 450,000 have already fled since early September.
The conflict’s ripple effects were felt in southern Israel, where air raid sirens blared as two rockets were fired from Gaza. One was intercepted, and the other landed harmlessly in an open field. No casualties were reported.
International responses have been mixed, with some Western allies planning to recognise a Palestinian state ahead of the UN General Assembly. Back home, thousands rallied outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, demanding a swift deal to end the war and free the hostages still held in Gaza. ✊
As the offensive continues, the world watches, and the stories of families like Al-Hadad’s remind us of the urgent need for a path to peace and protection for civilians.
Reference(s):
Israeli strikes kill 31 people in Gaza City, as tanks advance
cgtn.com
