Heavy Strikes Continue Across Gaza Strip
Gaza City – Israeli forces intensified their assault on Gaza City on Saturday, carrying out airstrikes and ground operations that, according to local health officials, killed at least 60 Palestinians. The offensive targeted tunnels, booby-trapped buildings, and residential areas, further escalating the nearly two-year-long conflict.
The strikes come just days before 10 nations, including Australia, Belgium, Britain, and Canada, are set to officially recognise a Palestinian state on Monday, ahead of next week’s U.N. General Assembly session.
Widespread Demolition and Displacement
Israeli troops have expanded their operations in Gaza City, focusing on Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa — areas where thousands of displaced residents are now sheltering. The Israeli military reported destroying about 20 high-rise towers in the past two weeks as part of its campaign.
Israeli media estimates suggest that more than 500,000 people have fled Gaza City since early September. Hamas, however, disputes this, claiming fewer than 300,000 have left and that nearly 900,000 people remain, including Israeli hostages.
Hamas Response and Hostage Threats
Hamas’s armed wing posted an image of hostages on Telegram, warning their lives were at risk from Israel’s ongoing strikes. The group also claimed that since August 11, Israeli attacks have damaged or destroyed over 1,800 homes and 13,000 tents housing displaced families.
Mounting Humanitarian Crisis
According to Gaza’s health officials, nearly 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began in October 2023, with famine, mass displacement, and widespread destruction deepening the crisis. Israel disputes these figures, accusing Hamas of inflating death tolls and worsening food shortages by obstructing aid.
On Saturday, Israel’s COGAT, the military body overseeing aid to Gaza, accused Hamas of firing at U.N. teams and blocking a new relief route in the south. Hamas denied the charge, instead blaming looters backed by Israeli firepower for disrupting aid deliveries.
Netanyahu Vows No Palestinian State
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the upcoming recognition of Palestine by Western nations, calling it an attempt to impose a “terror state.”
“There will be no Palestinian state. The response to the latest attempt to force upon us a terror state in the heart of our land will be given after my return from the United States,” Netanyahu said in a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Background of the War
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages. Israel says 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed alive.
