Gaza City has faced heavy airstrikes, according to Hamas-run civil defense, as Israeli forces prepare for a city takeover. Spokesman Mahmud Bassal reported massive destruction in Zeitoun and Sabra, with residents unable to recover dead and injured. The UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and Japan stated “famine is unfolding” and urged aid access to Gaza. Israel denies starvation, accusing UN agencies of not picking up and delivering aid. The joint statement called for the cessation of lethal force near aid sites, where over 1,300 Palestinians have reportedly been killed mainly by Israeli forces.
The World Health Organization urged Israel to stock medical supplies to handle a “catastrophic” health situation before seizing Gaza City. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO’s representative in Palestinian territories, stressed the need to stock hospitals and deliver essential medical supplies rapidly.
Israel’s war cabinet voted to take over Gaza City, a decision criticized at a UN Security Council emergency meeting. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated it’s entering a new combat phase but did not specify when forces would enter the area. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined a plan to dismantle Hamas strongholds and facilitate aid, designating safe corridors and increasing air drops.
Gaza City residents reported relentless air bombardment, with Zeitoun’s Majed al-Hosary describing intense attacks. Resident Amr Salah noted tanks firing and missiles landing, creating chaos similar to a war restart. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported 100 deaths in the past 24 hours, including 31 at aid sites; five additional deaths were due to malnutrition.
Israel faces criticism over the ongoing conflict with Hamas, with UN-backed experts warning of famine. “The Elders,” former international leaders, called the situation an “unfolding genocide” caused by Israel.
Helen Clark and Mary Robinson, after visiting Gaza’s border, expressed their belief in a human-caused famine and genocide in Gaza. Their statement echoed that of Israeli rights groups like B’Tselem, accusing Israel of attempting to destroy Palestinian society. Israel denies the accusations, claiming its targets are terrorists, blaming Hamas for Gaza’s suffering.
The IDF recently killed four Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza City, causing international outrage. Israel claims reporter Anas al-Sharif, a terrorist cell leader in Hamas, was targeted, without mentioning others. Media freedom groups challenge these claims, saying Israel seeks to silence Gaza reporting.
Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing over 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s Gaza response has reportedly resulted in at least 61,599 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry, which the UN deems credible.