On Sunday, the Israeli military used warplanes to level a series of high-rise buildings in Gaza City to the ground. This action expanded and escalated their military campaign in the area. This dangerous move is the culmination of a week of intensifying hostility. Yet evacuation orders were given to residents of multiple high-rise towers in Gaza City only hours before the strikes hit. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is about to call a special cabinet meeting. These are some of the tactics they are pondering to avoid harming hostages thought to be held in the city.
These bombardments have rendered over 50,000 Palestinians IDPs as Gaza City’s humanitarian crisis escalates in what many are calling a “perfect storm.” According to reports, Israeli forces have destroyed more than 130 residential structures in the restive area in recent weeks. These aerial bombardments on Sunday completely destroyed Al Kawthar. This 11-story building located just off of Gaza’s port was one of the towers hit.
The situation in Gaza has become exceedingly violent. On Saturday alone, Israeli strikes reportedly killed at least 74 Palestinians. More than 50 of those lethal casualties were classified in Gaza City. According to the Palestinian health ministry, continued acts of military aggression have resulted in more than 64,871 dead in Gaza. Thousands of these deaths have occurred in Gaza City.
Late Saturday night, attackers used missiles to hit the Al Shati refugee camp in Gaza City. This attack further contributed to the growing cost of damage and displacement throughout the impacted region. Though many buildings were hit without warning, a number were reportedly warned by the Israeli military before attacks, with advance warning enabling residents to evacuate. Even more alarming is how the content and scope of the strikes deepen in ferocity and volume.
“The ‘Islamic’ University in Gaza is going up in smoke. Eliminating the sources of incitement and terrorism.” – Israel Katz
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have clearly made moves to assuage international concerns regarding civilian safety. They promise to have taken extraordinary precautions to protect civilians from being killed or injured. These revolve around the adoption of advanced population warnings and the use of more precise munitions coupled with aerial surveillance.
Though attempts have been made to avoid civilian casualties, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen with thousands still displaced and in danger. As the conflict continues, it is essential to address the profound and painful questions about its effects on civilians. In parallel, there are still negotiations to secure release of the hostages.
Israeli forces are increasing their bombardment and ground operations in Gaza City. Humanitarian reports indicate that at least 20 of the hostages are still alive in the now-besieged enclave. Netanyahu’s cabinet meeting aims to address these concerns while balancing military objectives with humanitarian considerations.
