Israeli Forces Launch Major Offensive on Gaza City, Urgent Need to Protect Civilians
In a significant escalation of the conflict, Israeli troops and tanks have launched a major offensive on Gaza City, necessitating urgent measures to protect civilians. This offensive comes three days after the Israeli military began a ground operation in the Gaza Strip, drawing further international calls for the safeguarding of civilian lives.
The Israeli military has reported striking over 600 militant targets as it expands its ground operations in Gaza. However, Palestinian civilians in the region are in dire need of essential supplies such as fuel, food, and clean water as the conflict enters its fourth week.
The Islamic Jihad militant group, fighting alongside Hamas, has vowed to continue the fight and resist Israeli aggression. They emphasize that now is not the time for a truce. In response, the Israeli military has targeted and killed four prominent Hamas operatives.
As Israel intensifies its push into Gaza, civilians residing in the north of the coastal enclave have been urged to seek safety southward. However, many people remain in the city, fearing displacement and the possibility of Israeli airstrikes in other parts of Gaza.
Reports from Gaza City indicate that Israeli forces carried out numerous air strikes on the city’s eastern side, with tanks seen on the main Salahudeen road. However, the tanks later retreated towards the fortified fence surrounding Gaza due to intense mortar fire from the militants. The coastal road was also heavily targeted from the air and sea.
The situation in Gaza City’s hospitals is particularly dire, as air strikes have struck near three large medical facilities. According to the United Nations humanitarian office, around 117,000 civilians seeking shelter are currently alongside patients and medical staff in hospitals located in the north of the region.
Israel has accused Hamas of deploying command centers and storing weapons near hospitals, a claim vehemently denied by the group. Meanwhile, airstrikes have also been reported in southern towns such as Rafah, near Gaza’s only operational border crossing with Egypt, as well as east of Khan Younis, where clashes between Hamas militants and Israeli forces occurred.
While phone and internet services experienced disruptions on Friday, there has been some restoration of these essential communication channels. However, several parts of the north still lack these services.
Since October 7, when Hamas-led militants entered Israel, the Israeli government claims that 1,400 people have been killed and 229 taken hostage. However, Hamas has released four captives so far and stated that 50 have been killed in retaliation strikes.
Medical authorities in Gaza, largely controlled by Hamas, have reported the deaths of 8,306 people, including 3,457 minors. Rescuers are facing significant obstacles in reaching trapped individuals, with approximately 1,800 people, including 940 children, reported missing or buried beneath the rubble.
Although no fatalities have been reported, armed groups in Gaza continue indiscriminate rocket attacks against Israel. The Israeli government has confirmed that a German-Israeli woman, who was captured by Hamas, has been murdered, sparking international condemnation.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has stressed the need to hold Hamas accountable for this act of barbarism. The conflict between Israel and Gaza intensifies, and global efforts for diplomacy and a peaceful resolution remain essential.
Note: The content of this article is based on reporting from various sources and does not reflect the views or opinions of any particular organization.
