In a significant escalation of its military campaign, Israeli forces have intensified airstrikes and ground assaults on Gaza City, targeting key areas with a focus on combating Hamas. The ongoing assault has led to fears for the safety of nearly one million Palestinians who call Gaza City home, with reports of continuous explosions in the northern and eastern sectors of the urban landscape.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, the recent escalation has resulted in the deaths of 64 people and injuries to nearly 300 within a single day, pushing the total death toll since the commencement of Israel's military operations to an alarming 62,686, while injuries have soared to nearly 158,000. These military actions are a reaction to the devastating Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, which left around 1,200 people dead and many others taken hostage.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains unwavering in his goal to dismantle Hamas and has continued to face relentless international scrutiny over his aggressive military strategy. The Israeli military has mobilized approximately 60,000 reservists, although the full-scale operation in Gaza has yet to formally begin. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), ongoing strikes have focused on the Zeitoun and Shejayia neighborhoods, as well as further northern locations such as the Jabalia refugee camp.
In an operational update, officials from the IDF noted that their personnel are actively working to disrupt Hamas' capabilities in various areas, including Jabalia, which has seen recent troop deployments. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a staff member taken captive by Israeli forces in Gaza has been released after months of detention, although details on the case remain scarce.
Netanyahu is facing mounting pressure from within Israel, especially from families of hostages who are urging a negotiation for their release in exchange for a ceasefire. Effective estimates suggest that only 20 out of the 50 hostages believed to be in Gaza might still be alive. Though indirect talks between mediators like Qatar and Egypt have been attempted to facilitate a 60-day ceasefire and partial hostage release, Israeli officials insist no agreements are feasible without the unconditional release of all hostages.
Continued military action raises dire concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza City. With many residents prone to displacement, the United Nations and various NGOs have warned of catastrophic consequences if a full-scale offensive occurs in the city. Reports indicate that over 90% of homes in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, causing severe failures in healthcare and sanitation. Currently, just 18 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza are partially operational, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis as famine conditions begin to take hold in the region.
