Military spokesperson reported on Thursday that Israel governs 40% of Gaza City, as its attacks have compelled more Palestinians to flee their residences, while many locals ignored Israeli directives to evacuate, choosing to stay amid the devastation in the way of Israel’s recent progress.
Gaza health officials reported that Israeli shelling in the territory resulted in the deaths of at least 53 individuals on Thursday, primarily in Gaza City, where Israeli troops have moved into the peripheral neighborhoods and are currently just a few kilometers from the downtown area.
“We keep targeting Hamas’ infrastructure.” “Currently, we control 40% of Gaza City,” said Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin at a news conference, highlighting the Zeitoun and Sheikh Radwan areas. “The operation will keep growing and escalating in the days ahead.”
“We will keep targeting Hamas wherever they are,” he stated, noting that the operation will conclude only when the remaining hostages in Israel are freed and Hamas’ control is dismantled.
Defrin stated that army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir informed cabinet ministers that military rule in Gaza would be necessary without a day-after plan. Members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government have been advocating for Israel to implement military governance in Gaza and create settlements there, which Netanyahu has currently dismissed.
On August 10, Israel began its operation in Gaza City, as Netanyahu claims to aim for the defeat of Hamas in the region of Gaza where Israeli forces encountered the fiercest fighting during the war’s early stages.
The campaign has sparked global criticism due to the humanitarian crisis in the region and has generated unprecedented levels of concern within Israel, including reports of friction over strategy among certain military leaders and political figures.
“This time, I will remain at home.” I wish to perish here. Whether we leave or remain makes no difference. “Many thousands of those who fled their homes were also killed by Israel, so what’s the point?” Nader, a mother of five residing in Gaza City, communicated with Reuters through a text message.
Residents reported that Israel shelled Gaza City’s Zeitoun, Sabra, Tuffah, and Shejaia areas from both land and air. Tanks advanced into the eastern section of the Sheikh Radwan district, located northwest of the city center, demolishing homes and igniting fires in tent camps.
During intense shelling in the Tuffah area, medical personnel reported that five homes were hit by Israeli attacks, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals and injuring many others.
“The Israeli occupation focused on a civilian gathering and multiple residences in the Mashahra region of the Tuffah neighborhood — a fire zone that fully obliterated four structures,” stated Mahmoud Bassal, spokesperson for the territory’s civil emergency service.
“Even when the Israeli occupation gives warnings, there are no locations that can house the civilians; there are no alternative areas for the people to relocate to.”
A large part of Gaza City was devastated during the first weeks of the war in October-November 2023. Approximately one million individuals resided there prior to the conflict, and it is estimated that hundreds of thousands have come back to inhabit the remnants, particularly after Israel evacuated residents from other regions and initiated military actions in different locations.
Israel has advised civilians to evacuate Gaza City once more for their safety, reporting that 70,000 have complied and are moving south. Palestinian authorities claim that fewer than half that figure have exited, with many thousands remaining in the way of Israel’s progress.
