Israel bombers target a tall structure in Gaza City, warning of further attacks during their ongoing offensive

In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, tensions have reached a new high as Israel begins a wide-scale offensive in Gaza City. The Israeli military claims its operations only target militants, but civilian casualties continue to mount, with Hamas blamed for operating in densely populated areas.

The offensive has resulted in the death of over 64,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, and has left residents on edge, including those who have recently returned after fleeing the city in the initial stages of the war.

Israel has mobilized tens of thousands of reservists and has issued evacuation warnings as part of its plan to widen its offensive. One such attack on a high-rise building in Gaza City, allegedly used by Hamas for surveillance and planned ambushes, resulted in at least 27 deaths, according to health officials, including six members of a single family.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the attack. However, Basel Adra, a local activist, was seen holding a baby with blood on its head, calling for help. Video footage obtained from Palestinian activist Adeeb Huraini shows an older man with cuts on his head and leg, and a woman whose headscarf is soaked in blood.

The U.S. has taken a controversial stance in this conflict, announcing sanctions on three Palestinian groups - Al Haq, Al Mezan, and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights. The Trump administration justified these actions, stating that the groups are involved in efforts to investigate, arrest, and prosecute Israelis. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the U.S. actions, claiming that these groups are working against Israel's interests.

However, Ammar Dwaik, head of the Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights, criticized the U.S. actions, stating that they criminalize accountability and set a dangerous precedent worldwide. He argued that these sanctions would make it harder for these groups to receive donations from the United States, thereby hindering their ability to provide essential services to Palestinians.

The offensive has also sparked widespread protests among Israelis, with concerns about the safety of hostages still held in Gaza. Hamas has released a propaganda video on Friday showing two hostages in Gaza City. The video's release has further fuelled concerns about the safety of these hostages and the potential for further escalation in the conflict.

Israeli settlers have also been accused of attacking residents of the Palestinian village of Khallet A-Daba in the West Bank overnight, using clubs and pepper spray. These incidents highlight the ongoing violence and tension in the region, and the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Israel bombers target a tall structure in Gaza City, warning of further attacks during their ongoing offensive