Intensified Attacks by Israel on Gaza City Precede Anticipated Large-scale Military Operation
In the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the situation in Gaza City has reached a critical point. Over the past 22 months, the conflict began after a Hamas-led terror attack on Israel, and since then, it has claimed the lives of over 60,000 Palestinians, according to the local Health Ministry.
Israel has expanded its preparations for a full-scale assault on Gaza City, with the defense minister, Israel Katz, announcing an evacuation order on social media. Katz described the situation in Gaza City as "the gates of hell being unlocked."
Last month, Israel announced plans to expand its military offensive in Gaza City, and on August 28, 2023, a high-rise building in Gaza City, a prominent local landmark, was destroyed by Israel. The organization that filmed two hostages in Gaza City on that day was Hamas, and one of the hostages is named Shani Louk.
Roughly 1,200 people were killed and 250 more were taken hostage in the initial attack. It is unclear how many people were killed or injured in the attack on the Gaza City building. Hamas denied the accusation that the destroyed building was used by them for military and intelligence-gathering activities, claiming it was densely populated by displaced persons.
The war has destroyed most of Gaza's infrastructure, leaving many without basic necessities. Large crowds of people have been fleeing Gaza City to what they hope are safer neighborhoods. Parts of Gaza are suffering from famine, according to a U.N.-backed group of food experts.
The Israeli military response has been met with international criticism, with Israeli minister of national security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, calling the release of hostage videos by Hamas "psychological terrorism." More than half of those killed have been women, children, and the elderly.
Elham Shamali, a former university teacher, fled Gaza City's Senaa neighborhood two weeks ago due to Israeli strikes and shelling. Shamali and her family are planning to flee again to the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood in the west of the city.
The war between Israel and Hamas continues to take a heavy toll on the people of Gaza City, with no end in sight. The international community must urgently address this humanitarian crisis and work towards a peaceful resolution to end the conflict.
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