In an escalation of the ongoing conflict, Gaza City has witnessed substantial air bombardment, as reported by Hamas's civil defense agency. Spokesman Mahmud Bassal revealed that the neighborhoods of Zeitoun and Sabra have suffered continuous bombing and drone strikes for three days, resulting in widespread destruction of residential buildings. This assault has made it exceedingly difficult for residents to retrieve the deceased or assist the wounded.
Israel Intensifies Airstrikes on Gaza City Amid Calls for Famine Relief from International Community
Israel Intensifies Airstrikes on Gaza City Amid Calls for Famine Relief from International Community
As Israel launches heavy air attacks on Gaza, the UK and allies call for urgent action to address the emerging famine crisis in the region.
In response, an international coalition comprising the UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and Japan has issued a statement highlighting the urgent famine situation, urging immediate measures to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israel has refuted claims of starvation, asserting that aid organizations are to blame for delays at the borders. The coalition has also called for a cessation of lethal force near locations designated for aid distribution; a UN report indicates that over 1,300 Palestinians have lost their lives in aid-related incidents, primarily due to Israeli military actions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also made an urgent appeal to Israel, requesting access to medical supplies before Gaza City comes under Israeli control. WHO's representative Rik Peeperkorn criticized the slow pace of aid delivery, stressing the need to stock hospitals immediately to address the dire health crisis.
On Monday, the Israeli war cabinet decided to take control of Gaza City, a decision that drew harsh condemnation during a UN Security Council emergency meeting. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the situation as the beginning of a new phase of combat. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed forces to dismantle the remaining Hamas strongholds while proposing a plan that includes designated aid corridors and air drops.
However, local residents report relentless air assaults, with one Zeitoun resident, Majed al-Hosary, describing the bombardment as overwhelmingly intense, causing significant destruction. The Hamas-run health ministry reported that 100 fatalities occurred within a 24-hour period, tying these deaths to the current attacks and ongoing malnutrition issues.
Critics have increasingly condemned Israel over the long-duration conflict, as UN-backed experts and a group of international former leaders—collectively known as "The Elders"—characterize the situation as an "unfolding genocide." This claim underscores claims that Israel's actions are contributing to famine conditions in Gaza.
In a recent controversy, the IDF targeted a media tent in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of five Al Jazeera journalists, raising significant concerns regarding press freedom. Israel has also faced challenges in maintaining its narrative amid escalating international outrage, noting that Hamas is largely responsible for the turmoil.
The ongoing conflict, marked by Hamas's initial attacks resulting in heavy Israeli casualties, has led to severe humanitarian consequences for Palestinians, with reports indicating the death toll exceeding 61,000 since the renewed hostilities began.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also made an urgent appeal to Israel, requesting access to medical supplies before Gaza City comes under Israeli control. WHO's representative Rik Peeperkorn criticized the slow pace of aid delivery, stressing the need to stock hospitals immediately to address the dire health crisis.
On Monday, the Israeli war cabinet decided to take control of Gaza City, a decision that drew harsh condemnation during a UN Security Council emergency meeting. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the situation as the beginning of a new phase of combat. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed forces to dismantle the remaining Hamas strongholds while proposing a plan that includes designated aid corridors and air drops.
However, local residents report relentless air assaults, with one Zeitoun resident, Majed al-Hosary, describing the bombardment as overwhelmingly intense, causing significant destruction. The Hamas-run health ministry reported that 100 fatalities occurred within a 24-hour period, tying these deaths to the current attacks and ongoing malnutrition issues.
Critics have increasingly condemned Israel over the long-duration conflict, as UN-backed experts and a group of international former leaders—collectively known as "The Elders"—characterize the situation as an "unfolding genocide." This claim underscores claims that Israel's actions are contributing to famine conditions in Gaza.
In a recent controversy, the IDF targeted a media tent in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of five Al Jazeera journalists, raising significant concerns regarding press freedom. Israel has also faced challenges in maintaining its narrative amid escalating international outrage, noting that Hamas is largely responsible for the turmoil.
The ongoing conflict, marked by Hamas's initial attacks resulting in heavy Israeli casualties, has led to severe humanitarian consequences for Palestinians, with reports indicating the death toll exceeding 61,000 since the renewed hostilities began.
