Aerial bombardments by Israel result in the demolition of two residential buildings in Gaza City, causing hundreds to flee their homes.
In a series of devastating events, the military offensive in Gaza City, which began in October 2023, has resulted in the displacement of thousands of residents and widespread destruction. The offensive, led by the Israeli military, has been marked by the destruction of several multi-story buildings, including the Al-Salam Tower in central Gaza City and the Al-Ruya Tower in western Gaza City.
The offensive began with the targeting of buildings on a Friday, and the destruction of the Al-Salam Tower and Al-Ruya Tower was carried out using three missiles each. The Israeli military ordered the destruction of these towers on Omar Al-Mukhtar Street and in western Gaza City, respectively, in recent days. Residents and displaced people in the surrounding areas were evacuated before the strikes, with some throwing belongings from upper floors before fleeing.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as residents fled the high-rise buildings, abandoning their possessions. The military operations have not been limited to these two towers, as the Israeli military has also targeted other multi-story buildings sheltering displaced civilians in Gaza City.
The displacement caused by the offensive has pushed the entire population of Gaza towards famine conditions. The offensive has been ongoing, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledging to continue the military campaign and advance displacement operations.
The military offensive in Gaza City has been met with international condemnation. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza in November 2022. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its military actions in the Gaza Strip.
As of now, the military offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 64,500 Palestinians. The offensive has also triggered the displacement of an adjacent camp housing cancer patients, adding to the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The situation in Gaza City remains volatile, with the potential for further destruction and displacement in the days ahead. The international community continues to call for an end to the military operations and a return to peace and stability in the region.
