Israeli forces are intensifying their attacks on the outskirts of Gaza City, residents say, as the military steps up preparations for a ground offensive to conquer it. Hospitals reported that women and children were among the more than 30 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes on Wednesday, primarily in the north and west of the city. The Israeli military's chief of staff vowed to continue striking Hamas's centers of gravity until it is defeated and its hostages freed.
The UN and various aid organizations indicated that these military operations were already having horrific humanitarian consequences for displaced families taking shelter in Gaza City, which has a population of about a million and where a famine was declared the previous month.
Meanwhile, Israeli demonstrators participated in a so-called 'day of disruption' to urge their government to reach an immediate agreement to end the war, potentially in exchange for the release of 48 hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Protesters set fire to tires and garbage bins, damaging vehicles in Jerusalem as they demanded action to bring their loved ones home.
Hospital officials reported at least 46 deaths across the Gaza Strip since midnight due to ongoing strikes. Gaza City's Shifa hospital had received the bodies of 21 individuals, including those killed when an Israeli warplane targeted an apartment in the western Fisherman's Port area. One particularly harrowing case involved three-year-old Ibrahim al-Mabhuh, whose family was reportedly killed in the attacks.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with over 82,000 people newly displaced since mid-August, most heading towards the already overcrowded coastal area west of Gaza City. UN agencies expressed concern that the displacement could amount to forced relocation, calling urgent attention to the need for safe spaces and humanitarian aid.
During a recent visit, Israel's Chief of Staff announced the initiation of the second phase of 'Operation Gideon's Chariots', emphasizing the military's commitment to achieve its objectives in the war while addressing the hostage situation. As tensions escalate, both regional and international mediators strive to facilitate discussions for potential ceasefires and negotiations.
The UN and various aid organizations indicated that these military operations were already having horrific humanitarian consequences for displaced families taking shelter in Gaza City, which has a population of about a million and where a famine was declared the previous month.
Meanwhile, Israeli demonstrators participated in a so-called 'day of disruption' to urge their government to reach an immediate agreement to end the war, potentially in exchange for the release of 48 hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Protesters set fire to tires and garbage bins, damaging vehicles in Jerusalem as they demanded action to bring their loved ones home.
Hospital officials reported at least 46 deaths across the Gaza Strip since midnight due to ongoing strikes. Gaza City's Shifa hospital had received the bodies of 21 individuals, including those killed when an Israeli warplane targeted an apartment in the western Fisherman's Port area. One particularly harrowing case involved three-year-old Ibrahim al-Mabhuh, whose family was reportedly killed in the attacks.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with over 82,000 people newly displaced since mid-August, most heading towards the already overcrowded coastal area west of Gaza City. UN agencies expressed concern that the displacement could amount to forced relocation, calling urgent attention to the need for safe spaces and humanitarian aid.
During a recent visit, Israel's Chief of Staff announced the initiation of the second phase of 'Operation Gideon's Chariots', emphasizing the military's commitment to achieve its objectives in the war while addressing the hostage situation. As tensions escalate, both regional and international mediators strive to facilitate discussions for potential ceasefires and negotiations.
