Planes and tanks have bombarded parts of Gaza City as Israel intensifies plans to take control over the territory’s biggest urban area, increasing pressure on nearly a million Palestinians living there. Residents describe continuous explosions in the city’s northern and eastern sections.
Israeli forces have again targeted buildings in the northern Jabalia refugee camp, killing 64 people and injuring nearly 300 in the last 24 hours, according to Gaza’s health ministry controlled by Hamas.
Since Israel began its extensive campaign to defeat Hamas, the death toll has reached 62,686 with another 157,951 injured. This campaign responds to an October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which killed about 1,200 and saw 251 taken hostage.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on defeating Hamas despite international disapproval of his war expansion plans. About 60,000 reservists have been called up, although the full operation in Gaza is yet to start. Israeli attacks persist with airstrikes on Zeitoun and Shejayia and tank fire on Sabra, while troops have revisited the Jabalia area.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim their actions prevent Hamas terrorists from regrouping. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization reports the IDF has released a staff member held since July 21, though details remain scarce.
Netanyahu faces domestic pressure, particularly from families of hostages who urge negotiating an end to the conflict to retrieve captives. Only 20 of 50 hostages in Gaza are believed to be alive. Netanyahu declared plans to conquer the entire Gaza Strip after recent indirect ceasefire and hostage release talks with Hamas failed.
Mediators Qatar and Egypt propose a 60-day truce and releasing about half the hostages, which Hamas accepts, but Israeli officials demand a comprehensive deal for the release of all hostages. Israel’s defense minister warns that Gaza City will be destroyed if Hamas doesn’t disarm and release hostages.
The Israeli military plans to evacuate Gaza City’s entire population to shelters in the south before advancing. Gaza’s population has been repeatedly displaced. The UN and NGOs warn that an Israeli offensive would have catastrophic humanitarian consequences, with over 90% of homes damaged or destroyed and vital infrastructure collapsed.
Currently, only 18 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are partly operational, primarily in Gaza City and the north. Famine conditions were confirmed in Gaza City and its vicinity last week.