In a dramatic escalation of the conflict, Israel has announced plans to retake Gaza City, intensifying military operations against Hamas. The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders to residents, urging them to move south in anticipation of airstrikes on high-rise buildings allegedly used for Hamas military operations. However, Hamas and Palestinian authorities contest these claims, asserting that the structures primarily serve as civilian shelters.
This offensive is part of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s broader campaign to capture Gaza City, a key Hamas stronghold following the group’s deadly attack on Israel in October 2023. Recent military activities have intensified, with Israel gaining control over large areas of Gaza and penetrating deeper into the city, worsening the humanitarian crisis. Palestinian health authorities reported at least 40 deaths due to Israeli strikes on a single day.
International reactions have been mixed. Egypt’s Foreign Minister criticized the portrayal of Palestinian displacement as “voluntary,” asserting it reflects coercion rather than choice. Egypt is advocating for a ceasefire and is engaged in discussions with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to promote peace efforts.
In Israel, protests erupted in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, calling on U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene in the ongoing conflict. Demonstrators expressed concerns over Netanyahu’s military strategy, alleging it jeopardizes hostages held by Hamas.
Moreover, the conflict has spotlighted the challenges faced by Palestinian journalists. Despite the threat of invasion, some, like Nour Khaled of Al Jazeera, remain in Gaza to cover the situation, facing severe hardship. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that at least 189 Palestinian media workers have been killed since hostilities began on October 7, 2023. As events unfold, the international community remains apprehensive about the humanitarian impact and the potential for a peaceful resolution.
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