Israeli military operations intensified on Friday, leading to the deaths of 50 people in Gaza, as reported by the territory’s civil defense agency. The escalation in violence primarily targeted Gaza City, which Israel seeks to capture, describing it as a crucial stronghold of the militant group Hamas. This military campaign was prompted by a devastating attack from Hamas on Israel earlier in October 2023, which has since ignited the current Gaza war.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating, with the United Nations raising alarms about a famine in the region. International voices, including a joint statement from Britain, France, and Germany, have called for an immediate ceasefire. They expressed concerns regarding civilian casualties and the destruction of vital infrastructure due to the ongoing military offensive.
The civil defense agency indicated that the Friday strikes resulted in 35 fatalities in Gaza City alone, alongside an additional 15 deaths in other parts of the territory. The Israeli military is reported to be carrying out extensive airstrikes targeting what it refers to as “terrorist infrastructure” and high-rise buildings used by Hamas. Nonetheless, due to media restrictions and difficulties accessing various locations, independent verification of these claims remains challenging.
Last week marked the beginning of focused attacks on tall buildings in the region, which Israel alleged were utilized by Hamas. On Friday, the Israeli military stated it plans to escalate its strikes to disrupt Hamas operations and reduce threats to its troops, signaling preparations for subsequent phases of the offensive.
Among the tragedies reported, a strike in northwest Gaza City was highlighted, causing the deaths of 14 individuals, most of whom were women and children, as described by relative Hazem al Sultan. Grief-stricken mourners gathered at Al-Shifa hospital, praying over the bodies of the deceased, many of which were barely recognizable due to the devastation.
Evacuation warnings have been issued repeatedly by the Israeli military for residents in Gaza City; however, many locals voiced that they have nowhere to seek refuge. This sentiment is underscored by ongoing Israeli strikes in southern areas, which were previously suggested as safe havens. As of late August, the UN estimated approximately one million individuals were present in and around Gaza City, and the mass evacuation of such a large population could lead to catastrophic outcomes.
In a further commitment to the humanitarian crisis, the Israeli army indicated it would enhance aid deliveries to the southern regions, aimed at accommodating residents displaced from Gaza City. However, the main organization representing families of hostages taken during the initial Hamas attack has publicly criticized the assault on Gaza City, arguing that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is jeopardizing the lives of those still held captive without a clear strategic objective.
In total, the aftermath of the initial Hamas assault resulted in the deaths of at least 1,219 people, predominantly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli sources. The retaliatory Israeli offensive, meanwhile, has led to the deaths of over 64,756 Palestinians, a figure mostly comprising civilians, as reported by the health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza, with the UN considering these numbers reliable.
