Israeli aircraft and tanks have bombarded the eastern and northern outskirts of Gaza City, destroying buildings and homes, as Israeli leaders vow to press on with an expanded offensive. Witnesses reported continuous explosions overnight in Zeitoun and Shejaia, with tank shelling in Sabra and buildings blown up in Jabaliya. The strikes have caused panic, prompting some families to flee, while others say they will not leave.
About half of Gaza's roughly two million people live in Gaza City. A few thousand have already left, carrying belongings on vehicles and rickshaws. One resident, Mohammad, said he had lost count of how many times he had to move his family. 'No place is safe,' he told Reuters. Others, like Aya, a mother of eight, said they could not afford to buy a tent or pay for transport, adding: 'We are hungry, afraid and don't have money.'
Israel approved an expanded military offensive to seize control of Gaza City earlier this month. It is not expected to move forces into the city centre for a few weeks, leaving room for mediators Egypt and Qatar to resume ceasefire talks. However, Israeli forces have continued bombing and returned to combat in Jabaliya in recent days. Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed on Sunday to press on, warning that Gaza City would be razed unless Hamas releases all hostages.
Hamas said Israel's plan showed it was not serious about a ceasefire, stating that an agreement is the only way to return hostages. 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, raising the total to 289, including 115 children, since the war began.
Gaza's civil defence agency reported at least 42 killed in Israeli attacks on Sunday, including eight in Sabra. Separately, the Associated Press reported that Israeli forces killed four people seeking food aid in a military zone south of Gaza City. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant, as well as for Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, later withdrawn after his death. Israel is also facing genocide allegations at the International Court of Justice.
