Thousands of Palestinians are leaving Gaza City after Israel announced the start of its long-planned ground assault.
Israel forces have advanced to the city’s outskirts following days of heavy airstrikes and artillery fire. Gaza City, home to more than one million people, has seen widespread destruction.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire, warning that the assault would “inevitably cause death and destruction.”
Despite international criticism, Israel says it is determined to take control of the city. Defense Minister Israel Katz approved the operation earlier this week, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was shortening the timeline to capture what he called “the last terror strongholds” of Hamas.
The military confirmed its troops were operating in the Zeitoun and Jabalia areas, where they discovered tunnels and weapons. Around 60,000 reservists will be called up in September to support the offensive.
Hamas accused Israel of waging a “brutal war against innocent civilians” and claimed Netanyahu was ignoring a new ceasefire proposal from mediators in Qatar and Egypt. The plan, which Hamas says it has accepted, calls for a 60-day truce and the release of about half of the hostages. Israel has not yet given a formal response.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that further fighting could worsen what it described as an “already catastrophic” situation for Gaza’s 2.1 million residents. The agency said people urgently need food, water, medicine, and safe shelter.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials said efforts are underway to protect the 50 hostages still held by Hamas, though families fear they could be at risk during the assault.
On Wednesday, Gaza’s Civil Defence agency reported that Israeli strikes killed 25 people, including three children and their parents, in the Shati refugee camp.
World leaders have voiced alarm. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Israel’s plan “can only lead to disaster for both peoples and risks plunging the region into permanent war.”
The conflict began after Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 others taken hostage. Since then, more than 62,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry figures cited by the UN.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
