Israeli forces conducted extensive airstrikes and ground attacks on the outskirts of Gaza City overnight, causing widespread destruction and displacing numerous families. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet planned to meet on Sunday to discuss the potential takeover of the city.
According to local health authorities, at least 30 individuals were killed on Sunday due to Israeli gunfire and strikes, including 13 people seeking food near an aid site in central Gaza Strip and at least two individuals inside a residence in Gaza City. Additionally, an attack on a residential building in the heart of Gaza City led to the deaths of at least 15 people, including five children.
Residents of Sheikh Radwan, a major neighborhood in Gaza City, reported continuous Israeli tank shelling and airstrikes on Saturday and Sunday, prompting families to seek refuge in the western parts of the city. The Israeli military spokesperson’s office stated that they were assessing the reports and mentioned taking precautions to minimize civilian casualties during combat with militants.
Over the past three weeks, the Israeli military has escalated its operations around Gaza City. Temporary aid delivery pauses in the area were terminated on Friday, designating it as a “dangerous combat zone.”
“They are advancing into densely populated areas, bombing from different directions to induce fear and evacuation,” said Rezik Salah, a resident of Sheikh Radwan. An Israeli official revealed that Netanyahu’s security cabinet would meet to discuss the next phases of the operation targeting Gaza City, described as Hamas’s stronghold.
Although a full-scale offensive is not imminent, Israel aims to evacuate civilians before deploying additional ground forces. Netanyahu confirmed the targeting of Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson of Hamas’s armed wing, with Defence Minister Israel Katz reporting his death. Abu Ubaida, a prominent figure associated with Hamas for about two decades, was known for delivering the group’s messages via videos.
Concerns have been raised about the potential displacement of the civilian population in Gaza City, given the inadequate resources in other areas of the territory. The ongoing conflict has led to protests in Israel, urging the release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for an end to the war.
The conflict began with a Hamas-led attack in southern Israel in October 2023, resulting in casualties and hostages. The military campaign in Gaza has caused significant civilian casualties, triggering a humanitarian crisis and extensive devastation in the region. Gaza Health Ministry reported additional deaths due to malnutrition and starvation, disputed by Israel.