Israel Intensifies Assault on Gaza City, Destroys Second High-Rise

Sat Sep 13 2025 10:44:14 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The ongoing military offensive in Gaza City has led to the destruction of the Sussi Tower, the second high-rise obliterated in two days as civilians are urged to evacuate amidst escalating violence.

In an intensified military campaign, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has destroyed another high-rise building in Gaza City, the Sussi Tower, claiming it was being used by Hamas. This follows the collapse of the Mushtaha Tower the previous day, prompting concerns over civilian safety amid warnings to evacuate to designated humanitarian zones. The UN reports worsening conditions, with nearly one million people remaining in the area as the humanitarian situation deteriorates.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has urged Palestinians to evacuate Gaza City, relocating to what it calls a humanitarian zone in the south as it continues its military offensive in the territory.

On Saturday, for a second day running, the Israeli military destroyed a high-rise block, the Sussi Tower, in the enclave's largest urban area.

Defence Minister Israel Katz posted video of the building collapsing on X, captioned We're continuing. It was not immediately clear whether there were any casualties.

Israel said the tower was being used by Hamas, and that its military had taken measures to mitigate harm to civilians. Hamas denies it was using the tower.

Ahead of the attack on Sussi Tower, the Israeli air force had dropped leaflets ordering residents to leave.

On Friday, social-media footage showed the Mushtaha Tower, located in the city's al-Rimal neighborhood, collapsing after a massive explosion at its base. The IDF said precautionary measures had been taken, including advance warnings to the population and the use of precise munitions.

However, Palestinians have reported displaced families sheltering in the destroyed buildings. Accusations of a policy of forced displacement have been raised against Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel's intention to seize all of the Gaza Strip after ceasefire talks with Hamas broke down. The UN has warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis and declared a famine in Gaza City last month.

The IDF's airstrikes are part of a campaign in retaliation for the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which resulted in hundreds of deaths and resulted in the deaths of numerous Palestinian civilians.