Israel pounds Gaza City suburbs, vows to press on with offensive
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A Palestinian man riding a bike as smoke rose following an Israeli strike, in Gaza City, on Aug 24.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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CAIRO/JERUSALEM – Israeli planes and tanks pounded the eastern and northern outskirts of Gaza City overnight from Aug 23 to 24, destroying buildings and homes, residents said, as Israeli leaders vowed to press on with a planned offensive on the city
Witnesses reported the sound of explosions in the areas of Zeitoun and Shejaia, while tanks shelled houses and roads in the Sabra neighbourhood and several buildings were blown up in northern town Jabalia.
The Israeli military said on Aug 24 that its forces have returned to combat in the Jabalia area in recent days, to dismantle militant tunnels and strengthen control.
It added that the operation “enables the expansion of combat into additional areas and prevents Hamas terrorists from returning to operate in these areas”.
Israel approved a plan in August to seize control of Gaza City, describing it as Hamas’ last bastion.
It is not expected to begin for a few weeks, leaving room for mediators Egypt and Qatar to try and resume ceasefire talks between the sides.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz on Aug 24 vowed to press on with the offensive, which has raised alarm abroad and objections at home.
On Aug 22, he said Gaza City will be razed unless Hamas agrees to end the war on Israel’s terms
Fire lit up the skies from the direction of the explosions, causing panic, and prompting some families to stream out of the city. Others said they would rather die and not leave.
‘We are not leaving’
Around half of the enclave’s two million people currently live in Gaza City. A few thousand have already left, carrying belongings in vehicles and rickshaws.
“I stopped counting the times I had to take my wife and three daughters and leave my home in Gaza City,” said Mr Mohammad, 40. “No place is safe, but I can’t take the risk. If they suddenly begin the invasion, they will use heavy fire,” he told Reuters via a chat app.
Others said they will not leave, no matter what.
“We are not leaving, let them bomb us at home,” said Ms Aya, 31, who has a family of eight, adding that they could not afford to buy a tent or pay for the transportation, even if they did try to leave.
“We are hungry, afraid and don’t have money,” she added.
A global hunger monitor said on Aug 22 that Gaza City and surrounding areas are officially suffering from famine that will likely spread
Israel has rejected the assessment and said it ignores steps the government has taken since late July to increase aid supply into and across Gaza.
On Aug 23, the Gaza health ministry said eight more people died of malnutrition and starvation in the enclave, raising deaths from such causes to 281 people, including 114 children, since the war started.
Israel disputes fatality figures by the health ministry in the Hamas-run strip.
The war began on Oct 7, 2023, when Hamas-led gunmen burst into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and taking 251 hostages.
Israel’s military offensive against Hamas has since killed at least 62,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry, left much of the territory in ruins, and internally displaced nearly its entire population. REUTERS
