Israeli military officials announced that they now control approximately 40 percent of Gaza City as their offensive continues to displace residents and escalate the humanitarian crisis. This update comes amid reports of significant casualties, with Gaza health authorities stating that Israeli airstrikes resulted in at least 53 deaths on Thursday, predominantly in Gaza City itself.
According to Brigadier General Effie Defrin, the Israeli military has advanced through outer suburbs and is now only a few kilometers from the city center. During a news conference, Defrin stated, “We continue to damage Hamas’ infrastructure. Today we hold 40 percent of the territory of Gaza City,” specifying areas such as the Zeitoun and Sheikh Radwan neighborhoods. He emphasized that operations would expand and intensify in the coming days, with the mission continuing until all Israeli hostages are returned and Hamas’ control is dismantled.
Israeli army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly informed cabinet ministers that without a strategic plan for post-conflict governance, the military may have to impose direct rule over Gaza. Some far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s government are advocating for this approach, though Netanyahu has so far resisted calls for establishing settlements in the region.
The offensive in Gaza City commenced on August 10, 2023, as part of Israel’s broader strategy to counter Hamas militants, particularly in areas where previous military engagements occurred. This campaign has drawn widespread international criticism due to the escalating humanitarian situation and growing unrest within Israel itself, as tensions rise over military strategy among commanders and political leaders.
Many residents remain defiant against evacuation orders. Um Nader, a mother of five in Gaza City, expressed her determination: “This time, I am not leaving my house. I want to die here. It doesn’t matter if we move out or stay.” Reports indicate that Israeli bombardments have targeted neighborhoods including Zeitoun, Sabra, Tuffah, and Shejaia, leading to significant destruction and loss of life.
The bombardment in the Tuffah neighborhood alone resulted in the destruction of five homes, with medics reporting that eight people were killed and dozens more injured. Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesperson for Gaza’s civil emergency service, highlighted the dire conditions for displaced residents: “Even if the Israeli occupation issues warnings, there are no places that can accommodate the civilians; there are no alternate places for the people to go to.”
The Israeli military claims its operations are focused on dismantling militant tunnels and locating weapons within Gaza City. Much of the area lay in ruins following initial hostilities from October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and the taking of 251 hostages into Gaza.
The conflict has led to a staggering death toll in Gaza, with local health officials reporting over 63,000 Palestinian deaths since the onset of hostilities, the majority of whom are civilians. Health officials also noted a rising crisis of malnutrition, with 370 individuals, including 131 children, succumbing to starvation due to severe food shortages in recent weeks.
While Israel asserts it is making efforts to enhance humanitarian conditions in Gaza, including increasing aid, the reality on the ground remains grim. The Israeli government has urged civilians to evacuate Gaza City for their safety, claiming that approximately 70,000 people have done so, although Palestinian officials contest this number, suggesting fewer than half have left.
As the conflict escalates, the humanitarian impact continues to deepen, raising urgent questions about the future of Gaza and its residents.
