Israel Intensifies Strikes on Gaza City Amid Rising Casualties

Overview of Recent Escalations

On September 12, 2025, a significant escalation in military operations was reported in Gaza City, where Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 32 individuals, including 12 children, according to medical staff at Shifa Hospital. This surge in violence comes as Israel intensifies its offensive against Hamas, aiming to reclaim control over Gaza City, which it describes as the militant group’s last stronghold.

Casualties and Damage

The airstrikes struck various locations throughout Gaza City, leading to widespread destruction, including the targeting of high-rise buildings that Israel claims are being used by Hamas for military purposes. In one particularly devastating strike in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, a family of ten was killed, comprising a mother and her three children. Additionally, the Palestinian Football Association reported that Mohammed Ramez Sultan, a player for the Al-Helal Sporting Club, was also killed in the strikes, along with 14 members of his family.

Images from the scene depicted towering plumes of smoke rising from the impacted buildings, underscoring the severity of the situation. As of the latest reports, the Israeli army has not provided immediate comments regarding these specific strikes.

Hostage Situation and Family Concerns

Amid the ongoing military actions, families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas gathered in Tel Aviv, demanding urgent negotiations for the release of their loved ones. They expressed frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the situation. Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, criticized an attempted assassination of Hamas leaders in Qatar as a “spectacular failure,” arguing that such actions jeopardize the chances of securing a peaceful resolution and the safe return of hostages.

Evacuations and Humanitarian Crisis

In response to the escalating conflict, the Israeli military has urged remaining residents of Gaza City to evacuate immediately, directing them to move south to what it describes as a humanitarian zone. Army spokesman Avichay Adraee stated that over 250,000 people have fled Gaza City, which has an estimated population of about 1 million. However, the United Nations has reported that only around 100,000 individuals have actually managed to leave the area between mid-August and mid-September.

Many families remain trapped in Gaza City, unable to leave due to the high costs of transportation and housing, or because they have already been displaced multiple times and do not trust that any location in the enclave is safe. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with overcrowded conditions reported in the southern shelters designated for evacuees. The U.N. has highlighted that over 86,000 tents and essential supplies are still awaiting clearance to enter Gaza, further complicating the dire situation.

Malnutrition and Health Concerns

The Health Ministry in Gaza reported a troubling rise in malnutrition-related deaths, with seven people, including children, succumbing to starvation-related causes in the past 24 hours. This brings the total number of malnutrition-related fatalities to 420 since the onset of the conflict, with 145 of those being children. The ongoing bombardment and blockade have severely limited access to food and medical supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Impact of the Conflict

The current conflict in Gaza was ignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched an incursion into southern Israel, resulting in the abduction of 251 people and the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, mainly civilians. In retaliation, Israel has conducted extensive military operations, which, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, have claimed the lives of at least 64,803 Palestinians. The ministry has not specified how many of those killed were civilians versus combatants, but it estimates that around half of the deceased are women and children. The destruction of major cities has led to the displacement of about 90% of Gaza’s 2 million residents.

Conclusion

As the situation in Gaza City continues to deteriorate, the international community watches with concern. The ongoing military operations, coupled with the humanitarian crisis, raise urgent questions about the future of the region and the well-being of its inhabitants.

Key Facts

– Date of escalation: September 12, 2025.
– Casualties: At least 32 dead, including 12 children.
– Evacuations: Over 250,000 people have fled Gaza City; U.N. estimates around 100,000.
– Malnutrition-related deaths: 420 since the conflict began, including 145 children.
– Total Palestinian deaths since the conflict started: At least 64,803.

Source: www.npr.org