A renewed and intense Israeli military operation has triggered a mass exodus of Palestinian families from Gaza City, as tanks and troops push deeper into urban areas. The Israeli government has declared its intention to press on with the offensive, targeting Hamas infrastructure.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as civilians fled their homes under heavy bombardment. The sound of explosions and gunfire echoed across the city, with plumes of smoke visible for miles. Many are fleeing towards the southern areas, including Deir al-Balah and the already overcrowded city of Rafah, despite having no guarantee of safety.
The Israeli military stated the operation is a precise effort to root out Hamas militants and dismantle their tunnel networks and command centres. "We are determined to continue this operation for as long as necessary," a spokesperson said.
However, the human cost continues to mount. Local health officials report a rising number of casualties, though precise figures are difficult to verify amidst the chaos. The United Nations and other aid agencies have issued urgent warnings about the escalating humanitarian catastrophe, citing a lack of safe zones, crippled hospitals, and desperate shortages of food, water, and medicine.
This latest ground incursion marks one of the most significant escalations in recent weeks, raising international concerns about the potential for further civilian casualties and regional instability.
