Israeli forces are intensifying their attacks on the outskirts of Gaza City, residents say, as the military steps up preparations for a ground offensive to conquer it.
Hospitals reported that women and children were among the more than 30 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes in the city, most clustered in the north and west regions.
The Israeli military's chief of staff vowed to continue striking Hamas's centres of gravity until it is defeated while facing international accusations of war crimes.
The UN and various aid organizations quickly warned that Israeli operations were already having horrific humanitarian consequences for displaced families within the city, which has a population of over one million.
Meanwhile, Israeli protesters participated in a day of disruption to pressure their government into negotiating a ceasefire that would facilitate the release of all 48 hostages in Gaza.
Hospital officials indicated that at least 46 fatalities were reported due to ongoing strikes and gunfire across the Gaza Strip since midnight, with many injuries sustained at a clinic reportedly targeted overnight by Israeli drones.
Amidst this devastation, the Israeli military instructed the overcrowded population to relocate southward to the al-Mawasi area, although reports indicate many of the facilities there are unsafe and operating beyond capacity.
In response to this ongoing violence and humanitarian issues, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel aims to conquer all of Gaza, escalating fears for the safety of hostages held in the region.
Hostages' families have articulated their distress, asking the prime minister to negotiate a deal prioritizing their loved ones' release rather than focusing solely on military objectives.
In summary, Israel’s intensified offensive against Gaza City presents alarming implications for the population and humanitarian conditions as protests unfold in Israel urging for immediate action to address both military and civilian issues.
