Israeli military operations in Gaza have intensified, resulting in the deaths of at least **31 Palestinians** in Gaza City, according to medical officials. This surge in violence comes despite widespread international condemnation. Reports indicate that a total of **47 people** were killed across the Gaza Strip on Saturday. The Israeli military has yet to issue a statement regarding these fatalities, and the figures from both sides remain unverified.
As the offensive continues, the Israeli news portal Ynet reported heavy bombardment in multiple areas of Gaza City, describing scenes of chaos and destruction. The Israeli military previously disclosed that approximately **480,000 Palestinians** have evacuated from Gaza City, which once housed around **1 million** residents. Many are now attempting to reach **al-Mawasi**, a region designated by Israel as a “humanitarian zone.”
According to health authorities in Gaza, the total number of Palestinians killed since the beginning of the conflict has surpassed **65,000**. While the figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants, it is widely believed that the majority of the deceased are civilians. Displaced individuals have expressed their distress over the dire situation, with one resident, **Toufic Abu Mouawad**, stating, “The situation is really bad. All night long, the tank was firing shells.”
Israeli forces have gained control over eastern suburbs of Gaza City and have focused their attacks on the Sheikh Radwan and Tel al-Hawa areas. These locations are critical as they provide a vantage point for advancing into central and western districts, where many residents have sought refuge. On **September 18**, satellite imagery analyzed by Reuters showed an influx of tents in southern areas of Gaza City, suggesting a growing humanitarian crisis.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that approximately **350,000 people** have left Gaza City since the onset of September, leaving an estimated **600,000** still in the city. In a bid to facilitate evacuation, the military distributed leaflets urging residents to use the newly reopened **Salah al-Din road** for escape.
Amid the ongoing conflict, the IDF confirmed an airstrike that killed **Mahmoud Yusuf Abu Alkhir**, whom they identified as the deputy head of military intelligence in Hamas’ Bureij Battalion. The IDF claims he was involved in “terrorist attacks against Israeli troops and the state.”
The conflict was ignited on **October 7, 2023**, when Hamas launched an attack that resulted in the deaths of **1,200** Israelis and the abduction of **251** individuals into Gaza. The families of the remaining hostages have been urging Israeli Prime Minister **Benjamin Netanyahu** to halt military operations and pursue a ceasefire to facilitate negotiations for their release.
On the Israeli side of the border, protests have erupted, with demonstrators calling for an end to the military operations. They held placards bearing messages such as “Stop the genocide in Gaza” and “Free Gaza, isolate Israel.” Hamas stated that the hostages are dispersed throughout Gaza City, asserting, “The start of this criminal operation and its expansion means you will not receive any captive, alive or dead.”
As the situation unfolds, the humanitarian implications continue to deepen, raising urgent calls for international intervention and support.
