The situation in Gaza City has taken a critical turn, with the area officially declared a combat zone. As the offensive escalates and the humanitarian crisis deepens, what does this mean for the thousands trapped? The global community watches, but the impact on the ground is devastating. Discover the latest developments and the desperate struggle for survival.
Gaza City, the largest urban center in the embattled Palestinian territory, has been officially designated a dangerous combat zone by Israel, marking the initial phases of a planned military offensive that has drawn widespread international condemnation. This declaration signals a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with immediate and severe implications for the civilian population.
The resumption of intensive fighting coincides with an alarming surge in casualties, as health officials in Gaza report a staggering death toll exceeding 63,000, including 59 new fatalities within the past 24 hours alone. Beyond direct conflict, a dire humanitarian crisis is unfolding, with five additional deaths attributed to malnutrition-related causes in a single day, bringing the total to 322, including 121 children, since the war commenced.
Israel asserts that Gaza City remains a critical stronghold for Hamas, alleging the continued use of an extensive network of tunnels by militants despite previous large-scale operations in the area over nearly 23 months of war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has underscored the strategic imperative of dismantling Hamas’s capabilities within the city, framing it as essential for safeguarding Israel against any repeat of the devastating October 7, 2023, attack that ignited the present conflict.
While international bodies and aid organizations have vociferously condemned the announced start of the offensive, residents within Gaza City convey a sense of grim resignation. They report a relentless intensification of strikes preceding the official declaration, coupled with the persistent inadequacy of humanitarian aid reaching those most in need.
In an attempt to mitigate global criticism, Israel had implemented what it termed “tactical pauses” in Gaza City and two other densely populated areas last month, purportedly to facilitate increased deliveries of food and essential aid. However, these pauses were abruptly suspended on Friday, further cementing the latest escalation following weeks of preparatory strikes and the call-up of tens of thousands of reservists.
“We will intensify our strikes until we bring back all the kidnapped hostages and dismantle Hamas,” declared Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee. For days, Mr. Adraee, the Israeli military’s Arabic-language spokesperson, has issued urgent pleas to Palestinians in Gaza City to evacuate south, unequivocally stating that such a move is “inevitable.”
The United Nations reported that approximately 23,000 people had managed to evacuate over the preceding week. Yet, many Palestinians in Gaza City express profound skepticism regarding the efficacy of such efforts, lamenting the absence of any genuinely safe havens to relocate to within the besieged territory. For instance, the Holy Family Church of Gaza City informed The Associated Press that approximately 440 individuals seeking refuge there, along with members of the clergy assisting them, have resolved to remain.
The military’s suspension of these tactical pauses on Friday occurred without explicit notification to residents or aid groups of the impending declaration, which was announced at 11:30 am. This development closely follows a declaration by the world’s leading food security authority, just one week prior, that Gaza City was grappling with an escalating famine, a crisis long foreshadowed by repeated warnings.
Amidst the intensified offensive, an Israeli military official stated that Israel intends to continue facilitating aid to Gaza City, but provided no specific details on how these vital supplies would be delivered under the dramatically altered circumstances. Furthermore, Israel confirmed on Friday the recovery of the remains of two hostages, Ilan Weiss and another individual whose name was not immediately released. Out of the 251 hostages initially taken by Hamas-led militants, nearly 50 are believed to still be held in Gaza, with Israel estimating that 20 of these individuals are alive.
