Israeli forces have intensified bombardment of Gaza City as global allies press for urgent humanitarian measures amid warnings of famine and mounting civilian casualties.
At a Glance
- Israeli airstrikes have hit Gaza City’s Zeitoun and Sabra districts for three consecutive days
- UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and Japan issued a joint warning of an “unfolding famine”
- The UN reports over 1,300 Palestinians killed near aid sites, mostly by Israeli forces
- The World Health Organization says hospitals cannot be stocked with essential supplies
- Israel’s war cabinet has approved plans to take control of Gaza City
Escalation Ahead of Ground Operation
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza City has entered a new phase, with the Israel Defense Forces announcing they are “at the beginning of a new state of combat.” Airstrikes have focused on the Zeitoun and Sabra neighborhoods, with local civil defense reporting widespread destruction of residential areas and residents unable to retrieve casualties. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said operations aim to dismantle two remaining Hamas strongholds, while also pledging to expand humanitarian aid through safe corridors and air drops.
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Despite these assurances, reports from Gaza indicate heavy bombardment continues to hinder rescue and aid efforts. Local witnesses described “extremely intense” strikes shaking buildings and making it impossible to reach those trapped under rubble.
Humanitarian Strain and Aid Access Disputes
International concern over Gaza’s humanitarian situation is intensifying. A joint statement from the UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and Japan warned that famine is “unfolding in front of our eyes,” urging Israel to allow unfettered access for aid deliveries. The UN has accused Israel of using lethal force near aid distribution points, resulting in over 1,300 deaths. The Hamas-run health ministry reported that 31 people were killed at aid sites in the past day, and five more died from malnutrition.
The World Health Organization said it has been unable to stock hospitals in Gaza with essential medical supplies, describing the health situation as “catastrophic.” Rik Peeperkorn, WHO’s representative in the Palestinian territories, stressed that current aid delivery rates are insufficient to meet urgent needs.
Israel disputes the characterization of famine, instead accusing UN agencies of failing to collect aid from border points. Officials insist their military targets only Hamas militants and hold the group responsible for civilian suffering.
International Condemnation and Rights Concerns
The Israeli decision to seize Gaza City drew criticism at an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Human rights groups, including Israeli NGO B’Tselem, have accused Israel of seeking to dismantle Palestinian society in Gaza. “The Elders,” an international group of former leaders, described the situation as an “unfolding genocide” and blamed Israel for creating conditions leading to famine.
Media freedom groups have also condemned a recent strike that killed four Al Jazeera journalists and two freelancers in Gaza City. The IDF claims one of the journalists, Anas al-Sharif, was a Hamas cell leader, a claim Al Jazeera denies. Critics say little evidence has been provided to substantiate the military’s allegations.
Conflict Toll and Historical Context
The war began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s military response has, according to Gaza’s health ministry, killed at least 61,599 Palestinians, a figure the UN deems reliable. As fighting intensifies ahead of a possible ground incursion into Gaza City, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with aid agencies warning of irreversible consequences if access remains restricted.
