Israeli forces made a further incursion into the heart of Gaza City on Thursday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to New York to deliver a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, while U.S. President Donald Trump worked towards brokering a resolution to the Gaza conflict.
Reports from local health authorities indicated that Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals in Gaza on Thursday. Among the casualties were 11 individuals from two families in Zawayda town, located in the central Gaza Strip, where a residential building was targeted by airstrikes.
Israel’s military confirmed striking 170 targets in Gaza within the last 24 hours, focusing on dismantling “terror infrastructure” utilized by militant groups to launch attacks. Israeli forces were reported to have advanced deep into Gaza City, with tanks being deployed as part of an offensive aimed at eradicating Hamas following their lethal assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. However, the operation has led to significant devastation, a humanitarian crisis, and widespread food shortages.
Despite Netanyahu’s claim that Gaza City is the final stronghold of the Palestinian militant organization, hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped in the area, fearing for their safety with limited options for refuge.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism on Wednesday about achieving a breakthrough in the Gaza situation in the near future following Trump’s presentation of a 21-point Middle East peace plan to leaders of Muslim-majority nations in New York.
Netanyahu has stated his opposition to a Palestinian state, a stance that contradicts the formal recognition of Palestinian statehood by countries such as Britain, France, and Canada this week. Some members of Netanyahu’s coalition advocate for the annexation of the West Bank by Israel.
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to address the UN via video on Thursday, having been denied a visa by the Trump administration. Netanyahu is expected to deliver his speech to the General Assembly on Friday and meet with Trump the following week.
Israel has faced increasing criticism and diplomatic isolation over its handling of the Gaza crisis, with the International Criminal Court issuing a warrant for Netanyahu for alleged war crimes. Israel has rejected the court’s authority and denied committing war crimes in Gaza.
As Netanyahu departed for his meetings, he underscored his intention to condemn leaders who have recognized a Palestinian state and discuss strategies with Trump to tackle the Gaza conflict, including the liberation of hostages held since the October 7, 2023 attack. Netanyahu also expressed plans to explore diplomatic ties with nations yet to formally acknowledge Israel.
The conflict in Gaza erupted with a Hamas-led assault on Israel that resulted in around 1,200 fatalities and 251 individuals being captured. Presently, 48 hostages are still held, with 20 of them believed to be alive. The military campaign in Gaza has led to the deaths of over 65,000 Palestinians, as reported by local health authorities.
Hamas’s military branch has cautioned Israel that an escalation of its operations in Gaza City would jeopardize the safety of Israeli hostages. Conversely, Israel has urged Gazan residents to rise against Hamas in a bid to end the conflict.