Israel Strikes Gaza City: Dozens Dead Amid Warnings by UN

On Friday, the Israeli military carried out heavy airstrikes in Gaza, killing at least 50 people, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency. Of those killed, 35 were in Gaza City, while the remaining 15 lost their lives in other parts of the territory. The attacks mark a significant escalation in Israel’s ongoing operation in Gaza, as the army said it intends to capture the city, which it calls one of the last strongholds of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Hamas had launched a major attack in October 2023, which triggered the current war. Israel’s military says its operations aim to disrupt Hamas infrastructure and reduce threats to its troops as it prepares for the next stages of the conflict.

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Warnings from the International Community

The United Nations, along with other global organizations, has strongly warned Israel about the risks of its Gaza City offensive. They fear that the attacks will worsen the already severe humanitarian crisis in the city, which the UN has declared a famine.

Countries including Britain, France, and Germany released a joint statement calling for an “immediate” halt to the offensive. They highlighted that civilian lives are being lost and essential infrastructure is being destroyed in Gaza.

The Human Toll

The civil defence agency in Gaza reported that a single strike in the northwest part of the city killed 14 people. According to local witness Hazem al Sultan, most of the victims were women and children. He said, “Only two bodies were intact, while the rest were body parts.”

At Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, mourners prayed over the dead wrapped in white shrouds. Some of the shrouds were small, showing that children were among those killed.

The situation is worsened by the fact that media access to Gaza is extremely limited. Journalists are unable to independently verify all details, making it difficult to confirm the full scale of the damage and casualties.

Evacuation Challenges

The Israeli army has issued multiple warnings, asking residents to evacuate Gaza City. However, many people say they have nowhere to go. Areas in the south, which Israel has suggested as safer locations, have also been struck repeatedly.

The UN estimates that around one million people live in and around Gaza City. Experts warn that trying to evacuate all of them could lead to a major disaster. Many residents feel trapped, unable to escape the fighting.

Targeting of Tall Buildings

Israel has increasingly targeted high-rise buildings in Gaza City. The military claims that Hamas is using these structures for military purposes. On Friday, Israel stated it would “intensify the pace of targeted strikes” to weaken Hamas and protect its soldiers in preparation for future operations.

Criticism from Hostage Families

The main organization representing families of hostages taken during Hamas’s 2023 attack has criticized the Gaza City offensive. They warned that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans could put surviving hostages in “life-threatening danger” without a clear strategic goal.

Of the 251 hostages seized by Hamas in the 2023 attack, 47 remain in Gaza. Israeli officials report that 25 of these are confirmed dead. The original attack killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures tallied by AFP.

Casualties and Destruction

The health ministry in Gaza, run by Hamas, reports that Israel’s retaliatory operations have killed at least 64,756 Palestinians, most of them civilians. The UN considers these figures reliable.

Many neighborhoods in Gaza City have been destroyed, with homes, schools, hospitals, and other vital infrastructure damaged or demolished. The widespread destruction has left residents without shelter, food, clean water, or medical care.

The Situation in Hospitals

Hospitals in Gaza, including Al-Shifa, are overwhelmed with casualties. Medical staff face shortages of medicine, equipment, and supplies. Many patients, especially children, require urgent attention, but hospitals are struggling to meet their needs due to the intensity of the attacks and lack of access to basic resources.

International Concerns

Global leaders have repeatedly called on Israel to halt its operations, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. The UN has highlighted that the famine in Gaza City could deepen further if attacks continue, creating a risk of widespread starvation and disease.

The Outlook

As Israel continues its offensive, the situation in Gaza City remains dire. Residents are caught between military strikes and limited evacuation options, with international organizations warning that the humanitarian crisis could spiral out of control.

While Israel focuses on its military goals, the civilian population continues to suffer from both immediate violence and the long-term consequences of destroyed infrastructure. The world watches closely, urging restraint, humanitarian relief, and protection for innocent lives.

Friday’s attacks in Gaza City represent one of the deadliest days in recent weeks. The escalating conflict highlights the deep challenges in balancing military objectives with the urgent need to protect civilians. With international calls for restraint, evacuation difficulties, and ongoing casualties, the people of Gaza face a harrowing future in the midst of war.