Israeli air and ground forces struck hard on the suburbs of Gaza City overnight, destroying homes and forcing thousands of families to flee. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called a security cabinet meeting to discuss the next stage of the military offensive, which many believe could aim to seize control of the city.
According to Gaza health officials, at least 18 people were killed on Sunday. Among them were 13 civilians who were waiting near an aid distribution site in central Gaza, desperately searching for food. Two more victims were reported in a residential house in Gaza City. Israel’s military spokesperson said they are reviewing these reports but have not provided a clear response yet.
Heavy Strikes in Gaza Neighborhoods
Residents in Sheikh Radwan, one of Gaza’s largest neighborhoods, described a night of continuous tank shelling and airstrikes. Families have been running toward the western side of the city to seek shelter.
- The Israeli army has been intensifying its operations over the past three weeks.
- On Friday, it ended temporary pauses that allowed aid deliveries, declaring Gaza City a “dangerous combat zone.”
- Locals say Israeli forces are advancing from the east, north, and south, pushing deeper toward the city’s center.
“They are crawling into the heart of the city where hundreds of thousands are sheltering, while bombing to scare people into leaving,” said Rezik Salah, a father of two.
Netanyahu’s Cabinet Prepares Next Steps
Netanyahu’s security cabinet is expected to discuss the planned offensive on Sunday evening. The Prime Minister has called Gaza City the “last stronghold” of Hamas, signaling a possible full-scale invasion.
- A major ground assault is not expected for several weeks.
- Israel says it wants civilians to evacuate first before moving more troops inside.
- The International Red Cross warned that forcing such evacuations would create a massive humanitarian crisis, with no safe areas left to absorb the displaced.
Many families are already struggling. “Those who have relatives in the south managed to leave. But places like Deir Al-Balah and Mawasi are overcrowded. I couldn’t find any space,” said Ghada, a mother of five.
Humanitarian Concerns Rising
About half of Gaza’s 2 million residents remain in Gaza City. While thousands have managed to leave for central and southern parts of the strip, many remain trapped due to shortages of food, water, and transport.
- Aid groups say the humanitarian situation is collapsing.
- Food and medical supplies are running dangerously low.
- Families are squeezed into overcrowded shelters with little electricity.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military has warned political leaders that this offensive could also endanger hostages still being held by Hamas. Families of hostages are growing more desperate, leading to rising protests across Israel.
Protests Inside Israel
Over the weekend, large crowds gathered in Tel Aviv, demanding an end to the war and the safe release of hostages. Families of those still captive staged demonstrations outside ministers’ homes on Sunday morning.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters carried out an attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel says that 20 of the remaining 48 hostages are still alive.
Since then, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 63,000 people, according to Gaza health officials. The majority of the dead are civilians, and much of Gaza has been reduced to rubble.
This conflict has become one of the most devastating wars of recent times. Both sides remain firm in their positions, but civilians continue to suffer the most. For now, the world is watching closely as Israel weighs its next move, and global leaders call for urgent humanitarian aid.
