Israeli aircraft and tanks have pounded the eastern and northern outskirts of Gaza City, destroying buildings and homes, as Israeli leaders vowed to press on with an expanded large-scale offensive. Witnesses reported continuous explosions overnight from Saturday into Sunday in the areas of Zeitoun and Shejaia, while tanks shelled houses in the Sabra neighbourhood and buildings were blown up in Jabaliya.
About half of Gaza’s roughly two million people currently live in Gaza City. A few thousand have already fled, carrying belongings on vehicles and rickshaws. “No place is safe, but I can’t take the risk,” said Mohammad, 40, who has left multiple times with his family. However, some residents refuse to leave. “We are not leaving, let them bomb us at home,” said Aya, 31, citing lack of funds for a tent or transport.
Israel approved a plan earlier this month for an expanded offensive to seize control of Gaza City, though forces are not expected to enter the city centre for weeks, leaving room for mediators Egypt and Qatar to pursue a ceasefire. Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, vowed on Sunday to press on, warning that Gaza City would be razed unless Hamas releases hostages and ends the war on Israel’s terms.
Hamas said Israel’s plan showed it was not serious about a ceasefire, stating that a deal is “the only way to return the hostages”. Meanwhile, UN-backed experts declared on Friday that an “entirely man-made” famine is occurring in Gaza City and surrounding areas, warning that avoidable deaths will increase exponentially without a ceasefire and humanitarian aid.
The Gaza health ministry reported eight more deaths from malnutrition on Sunday, bringing the total to 289 since the war began. Gaza’s civil defence agency said at least 42 people were killed in Israeli attacks on Sunday, including eight in Sabra. The Associated Press reported that Israeli forces killed four people seeking food aid south of Gaza City.
