Gaza City Under Continuous Bombardment as Israel Launches Ground Invasion

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated dramatically, particularly in Gaza City, which is now facing relentless bombardment as Israel has initiated a ground invasion. This move comes in the wake of heightened international scrutiny and condemnation of Israel’s military actions, which many human rights organizations and genocide scholars have labeled as genocidal. The situation has become dire, with significant humanitarian implications for the residents of Gaza.

Context of the Conflict

The conflict intensified following the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which prompted strong reaffirmations of support for Israel’s “right to self-defense” from Western leaders. However, as the war has continued, criticism of Israel’s military operations has grown. Notably, last year, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over allegations of war crimes.

The Current Situation in Gaza City

Reporting from the ground, Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud highlighted the Israeli military’s strategy to “sandwich” those who remain in Gaza City. The eastern part of the area has already been largely cleared, not only of physical structures but also of its densely populated communities. Many residents who initially fled westward have found themselves displaced once again as the conflict continues to unfold.

On Tuesday, a United Nations inquiry reported that Israel is committing acts of genocide in Gaza, a territory that is home to approximately 2.1 million Palestinians. The report indicates that most of these individuals have been displaced multiple times throughout the nearly two-year conflict, which has resulted in the deaths of nearly 65,000 people.

Humanitarian Crisis and Civilian Casualties

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating. Medical officials reported that at least 78 Palestinians have been killed since dawn, with 68 of those fatalities occurring in Gaza City. Emergency services confirmed that 20 individuals lost their lives in the bombing of the Daraj neighborhood, where entire residential blocks have been reduced to rubble.

Residents are facing unimaginable challenges. One survivor, al-Abd Zaqqut, recounted the harrowing experience of losing a cousin to a concrete block during an airstrike, stating, “We don’t know if we should try to retrieve her or leave her.” He described the desperate efforts to dig through the debris with their bare hands, as tools are scarce.

International Reactions and Criticism

The international community has increasingly voiced its concerns regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the situation as “horrendous,” asserting that the ongoing war in the Palestinian territories is morally, politically, and legally intolerable. The ground invasion has drawn global condemnation, with Turkish officials labeling it as a new phase in Israel’s “genocide plans” and warning of further mass displacement.

Human rights organizations have condemned Israel’s military orders, stating that they do not stem from military necessity and violate international law. An Israeli army official estimated that approximately 40% of Gaza City’s residents—around 350,000 people—have been forced to flee south, as many buildings have been destroyed, leaving families to sift through the rubble in search of trapped loved ones.

Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Needs

The violence has escalated to alarming levels, with reports of heavy bombardment making it difficult for rescuers to reach survivors. Footage verified by Al Jazeera depicted significant explosions and plumes of black smoke rising from the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood, which has already suffered extensive damage from previous attacks.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza has issued dire warnings about the lack of basic necessities, including water, food, and healthcare services, as disease outbreaks threaten to spread in overcrowded encampments. Israeli rights organizations have characterized evacuation orders for Gaza City as forced displacement, further complicating the humanitarian crisis.

Controversy Over Safe Zones

While Al-Mawasi, a coastal strip in southern Gaza, has been designated by Israel as a “safe zone,” it has not proven to be safe, as Israeli forces have continued to bombard the area. Palestinian officials have expressed skepticism regarding the safety of this zone, emphasizing that it offers no real refuge from the violence.

The United Nations Human Rights Office in the occupied Palestinian territory has condemned the Israeli military’s actions as “wanton destruction,” equating it to ethnic cleansing. The violence has left many civilians in dire straits, with reports of significant casualties and injuries.

Domestic Criticism in Israel

Back in Israel, political opposition to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of the invasion is growing. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the operation as “amateurish and sloppy,” reflecting a division in public opinion regarding the government’s military strategy.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has also expressed concern, stating that the offensive will exacerbate an already desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Conclusion

As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza City deepens, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The international community remains watchful, as calls for accountability and an end to hostilities grow louder.

Key Facts

– Israel has launched a ground invasion of Gaza City following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas.
– A UN inquiry has concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide.
– Approximately 2.1 million Palestinians live in Gaza, many of whom have been displaced multiple times.
– Nearly 65,000 people have died in the conflict, with significant civilian casualties reported daily.
– Humanitarian conditions in Gaza are dire, with shortages of food, water, and healthcare services.
– International criticism of Israel’s military operations is increasing, with calls for accountability and cessation of violence.

Source: www.aljazeera.com