The Israeli military announced on Thursday that it now controls 40 percent of Gaza City as its offensive continues against Hamas. Brigadier General Effie Defrin confirmed progress in the Zeitoun and Sheikh Radwan neighborhoods, stressing that the mission will only end once hostages are freed and Hamas loses power.
Gaza health authorities reported that Israeli strikes killed at least 53 Palestinians on Thursday, most of them in Gaza City. Medics also said an attack in the Tuffah district left eight people dead and dozens injured. Residents described tanks advancing into multiple areas, destroying homes and setting fires in makeshift shelters.
Despite evacuation orders, thousands of Palestinians remain in the devastated city. Israel says 70,000 civilians have left for the south, but local officials claim the figure is far lower. Humanitarian groups warn that those still trapped face starvation, displacement, and worsening medical crises, particularly among children.
The conflict has drawn sharp international criticism. Palestinian and UN officials insist no place in Gaza is safe, not even zones designated as humanitarian. Reports show 370 people, including 131 children, have recently died from malnutrition due to severe shortages of food and aid.
Much of Gaza City was already destroyed in the first months of the war, yet many residents returned despite the risks. Now, with renewed assaults, fears of further devastation and forced displacement are rising again.
Since Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, Gaza's health ministry says more than 63,000 Palestinians have been killed.
Source: (https://www.arabnews.com/node/2614172/middle-east)