Israeli troops cautioned residents of Gaza City on Saturday to head south before targeting a high-rise building, as the military advanced further into areas of the city.
The military announced evacuation alerts and advised individuals to move to a coastal zone close to Khan Younis, assuring them of food, healthcare, and accommodation at that location. Spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated on X that the region was a “humanitarian area.”
Later on, the military targeted a multi-story structure in Gaza City that it claimed was utilized by Hamas. Israel Katz, the Defence Minister, shared a video on X that displays the tower falling after the strike. The military stated that the structure was utilized for intelligence purposes and that explosives were positioned in the vicinity. Hamas rejected the assertion and stated that the tower housed displaced individuals.
Gaza health officials indicated that a minimum of 40 individuals died throughout the area on Saturday, with about half the fatalities occurring in Gaza City. Relief organizations claim the attack threatens to displace hundreds of thousands who had previously sought refuge there during the conflict. Prior to the conflict, around one million individuals resided in Gaza City — almost half of Gaza’s population.
The assault comes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s directive to seize Gaza City, which he refers to as a “Hamas stronghold,” asserting that it needs to be captured to overcome the militants responsible for the October 7 assault on Israel. Israeli authorities reported that the military governs nearly half of Gaza City and approximately 75% of the region, noting that tens of thousands of reservists have been mobilized to assist with the operation.
Human rights organizations and humanitarian agencies caution about the increasing impact on civilians. Amnesty International called on Israel to “cease its assault on Gaza City and the large-scale displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians,” stating that homes were destroyed and “many civilians” had been killed.
The conflict started following an October 2023 assault by Hamas-led fighters that resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities in Israel and caused 251 hostages to be abducted into Gaza. Israeli authorities report that 48 hostages are still being held and estimate that about 20 of them are alive. Hamas has proposed releasing certain hostages in exchange for brief ceasefires in combat. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington was engaged in “very deep” talks with the militants.
With services close to failing and extensive destruction, aid organizations state that immediate assistance is required for individuals who are displaced. Reporters and organizations indicate that confirming certain claims from the battlefield and casualty numbers independently is challenging.
As troops advance nearer to the city center, the humanitarian situation is expected to deteriorate. The upcoming days will be crucial for civilians caught in the conflict and for any negotiations aimed at securing hostages and a ceasefire. UN organizations and intermediaries have urged for secure pathways and prompt access for humanitarian workers to assist those in need.
