Residents of Gaza City flee as Israeli airstrikes intensify in the densely populated city (Image Credit: Human Rights Watch)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday called to Gaza City residents to evacuate the city immediately as the military deepened airstrikes to pave the way for a ground attack. The crowded city has been targeted by Israel's offensive, even as international pressure mounts for the campaign to be called off.
At least 39 Palestinians were killed Monday across the territory, including 25 in Gaza City alone, according to Gaza's civil defence agency. Israel has struck several high-rise towers over the past few days, accusing Hamas of using intelligence there and leaving explosives in the buildings. AFP showed the Al-Ruya tower crumble after being hit by Israeli fire, the fourth tower struck in four days.
Netanyahu cautioned residents that these were but a preview of a more massive ground offensive. "All of this is merely an opening, merely an introduction, to the main enhanced operation our troops are now preparing to move into Gaza City," he said.
The warning came after one of the deadliest attacks in Jerusalem since the start of the war, as two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop and killed six people. The attackers were killed by security forces at the scene. Netanyahu stated that the attack "strengthens our determination to fight terrorism." Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz gave a dire warning to Hamas, stating the militant group would have to free hostages and surrender or be destroyed.
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During the escalation, Hamas showed a desire to negotiate a ceasefire after US officials sent them proposals. Trump said Israel had agreed to US demands and asked Hamas to do the same, issuing his "last warning." Hamas set conditions for talks, which included Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the establishment of a Palestinian committee to run the territory.
Human costs of the conflict keep mounting. Israel alleges 1,219 fatalities due to Hamas's October 7, 2023 assault, while Israeli strikes have killed more than 64,500 Palestinians, primarily civilians, according to the Palestinian health ministry. International actors, including the UN, have denounced the employment of aggressive discourse and appealed for restraint.
