Israel demolishes another towering building in Gaza's densely populated urban center; regional nations refute Netanyahu's assertion that the displacement was voluntary.
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, tensions have escalated further with the destruction of the Al-Sousi building in Gaza City. The Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced the demolition of the structure, stating "We continue."
The Al-Sousi complex, a high-rise building, was the last standing structure in the complex, with three other buildings having been destroyed since the war began in October 2023. The Israeli military claims Hamas installed intelligence-gathering equipment in the building and planted explosives around it, while directing attacks on its troops from tunnels nearby.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's support for the destruction of the building drew strong condemnation from Egypt and other Arab countries. Netanyahu had earlier stated that Israel would immediately resume negotiations for the release of all hostages held in Gaza and an end to the war, but on terms acceptable to Israel.
In a bid to alleviate the displacement of residents, a "humanitarian space" has been created in the southern province of Khan Younis. This space includes essential humanitarian infrastructure such as field hospitals, water lines, and desalination facilities.
Meanwhile, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty described the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza as "nonsense" and a man-made famine as a means to push residents out of their land. The Gaza government's media office rejected the military's claims, stating that residential buildings are being destroyed as part of a systematic forced displacement plan.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire continue. On Friday, Mr Abdelatty spoke with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, discussing intensifying efforts to implement the latest ceasefire proposal that Hamas has accepted. This proposal, which includes a suspension of Israeli military operations for 60 days, outlines a framework for a comprehensive deal to end the conflict.
In August, Hamas agreed to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire with Israel that included the return of half the hostages held in Gaza and Israel's release of some Palestinian prisoners. The United Nations (UN) agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, was present at the joint press conference with Mr Abdelatty.
The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its support for Egypt and condemned Netanyahu's statement. The international community continues to express concern over the ongoing conflict and the impact it has on the civilian population in Gaza.
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