Israel launches major Gaza City assault

Israel’s military began a large‑scale ground push to seize Gaza City, dropping leaflets that ordered residents to evacuate while simultaneously opening a second humanitarian corridor for 48 hours. Children rushed to collect the leaflets, yet many refused to leave. Hundreds of thousands remain sheltering in the city, reluctant to move south because of dangerous routes, dire conditions, food shortages and fear of permanent displacement.

In the first two days of the offensive, the IDF reported striking more than 150 targets in Gaza City and using remotely‑controlled, explosive‑laden vehicles against Hamas positions. At least 30 Palestinians were killed on Wednesday, including 19 in the city, and health officials said 98 were killed and 385 injured in the previous 24 hours. The Gaza health ministry added four deaths from malnutrition, bringing total famine‑related deaths since the UN‑backed famine declaration to 154.

The Israeli government says the operation aims to eliminate Hamas militants, free the remaining hostages and defeat up to 3,000 fighters in what it calls the group’s “last stronghold.” Critics, however, denounce the campaign as disproportionate. More than 20 major aid agencies, including Save the Children and Oxfam, called the situation “ inhuman,” and a UN commission of inquiry concluded Israel had committed genocide—a charge Israel’s foreign ministry rejected as “distorted and false.”

Civilian infrastructure has suffered heavily. Al‑Rantisi children’s hospital was hit three times, damaging air‑conditioning, water tanks and solar panels, though no injuries were reported. Tower blocks and other residential buildings have been repeatedly struck, prompting mass evacuations by foot, donkey carts, rickshaws and trucks. The cost of moving south has risen sharply, with small trucks renting for the equivalent of £660 and tents for five people costing about £880, while the designated “humanitarian area” in al‑Mawasi is overcrowded and unable to accommodate the two‑million‑plus displaced.

Families of the 48 hostages held by Hamas protested in Jerusalem, warning that intensified fighting could jeopardize their loved ones. International leaders have voiced concern: the Pope described Gaza’s conditions as “unacceptable” and called for a ceasefire; the European Commission proposed sanctions on Israel for its conduct and settlement plans, though the measures lack full EU support.