Local residents and eyewitnesses report that dozens of Israeli tanks and military vehicles have invaded a major residential district of Gaza City, specifically the Sheikh Radwan area, on the second day of Israel's aggressive ground campaign aimed at taking control of the territory.
Footage from the ground shows a relentless stream of tanks, bulldozers, and armored personnel carriers maneuvering along the periphery of Sheikh Radwan. Eyewitnesses have noted thick clouds of smoke arising from artillery shellings and smoke bombs deployed to hide the advancing forces.
This district was home to tens of thousands before the conflict erupted, characterized as one of the most densely populated areas in the city. Israel's stated goals for its offensive in Gaza City focus on freeing hostages trapped by Hamas and dismantling what it claims to be the group's final stronghold. However, the operation has faced intense global condemnation.
Leaders from more than 20 major humanitarian organizations, including Save the Children and Oxfam, have condemned the situation, emphasizing that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached unbearable levels.
Prior to the military ground push, airstrikes were incessantly aimed at residential buildings and main thoroughfares in Sheikh Radwan, presumably to prepare for the ground invasion. Saad Hamada, a local who fled south with his family, recounted, The drones didn’t leave anything... Life became impossible. That is what compelled most people to flee despite the hazards involved.
The Sheikh Radwan area encompasses regions like Abu Iskandar and al-Tawam, intersected by crucial al-Jalaa Street, which links central Gaza City with northern districts. Local accounts indicate that the Israeli military’s consolidation of control here could pave the way for deeper incursions into the city center.
The unfolding scenes of tanks in the streets have triggered panic among residents, particularly those still residing in central and western Gaza City. Many recall prior incursions resulting in complete devastation of neighborhoods. As the military campaign escalates, another wave of displacement ensued, with thousands scrambling to flee south.
Lines of vehicles and carts heavily laden with personal belongings were spotted, as the Israeli army opened safe routes southwards via Salahedin Road. The cost of transport has skyrocketed, with residents facing sky-high fares during a period of acute scarcity.
The IDF reported having targeted over 150 sites across Gaza City in the past two days in tandem with ground troops. They are also apparently utilizing remotely controlled vehicles laden with explosives, which are driven into Hamas positions before detonation.
Life for the residents continues to deteriorate under the ongoing siege, with urgent calls for humanitarian assistance intensifying. Aid organizations warn of overcrowding in the limited safe zones designated for displaced families. Many who followed evacuation orders found no space for shelter and were forced to return north.
Since the onset of the war, casualties have soared, with local reports estimating at least 65,062 fatalities in Gaza, including many women and children. A UN-led report recently complained about Israel allegedly committing genocide, which was strongly refuted by Israeli officials.
The dire situation in Gaza is far from resolved, with international observers fearing deeper humanitarian catastrophes as military operations intensify.
