Gaza City has been plunged into a new chapter of violence as Israeli forces launched a severe military offensive, combining aerial bombardment with ground operations. The assault, which continued through the night, has left dozens dead and many more wounded amidst scenes of widespread devastation.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Ongoing Strikes
Palestinian civil defence teams are facing extreme difficulties in their attempts to reach casualties trapped beneath the rubble of destroyed buildings. The continuous nature of the attacks has made rescue operations perilous, with emergency services reporting they cannot access the hardest-hit areas due to persistent Israeli gunfire and shelling.
"We're receiving countless distress calls, but we're completely unable to respond to many of them," explained Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for the Palestinian Civil Defence. "The intensity of fire is unprecedented in some districts, particularly in the southern neighbourhoods of the city."
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The latest escalation has exacerbated what was already a dire humanitarian situation. Hospitals, already operating at limited capacity due to previous conflicts and supply shortages, are being overwhelmed with casualties. Medical supplies are running critically low as the healthcare system teeters on the brink of collapse.
Local residents describe nights of terror as explosions rocked different parts of the city. "The bombing was everywhere – north, south, east, and west," shared one Gaza City resident who wished to remain anonymous. "There was nowhere to feel safe."
International Response and Diplomatic Efforts
The recent violence has drawn international concern, with calls for immediate de-escalation from various global powers. However, diplomatic efforts have so far failed to curb the hostilities as both sides appear entrenched in their positions.
The Israeli military has stated that these operations target militant infrastructure and are in response to recent security threats. They maintain that they take precautions to avoid civilian casualties, though the rising death toll tells a different story.
This latest outbreak of violence represents one of the most intense periods of fighting in recent months, threatening to derail already fragile peace negotiations and humanitarian efforts in the region.
