Military action initiated by Israel, designating Gaza's largest urban area as a war zone

In the heart of the Middle East, Gaza City is bracing for an expanded Israeli offensive, as families pack their belongings and leave the city in search of safety. The Israeli military called up tens of thousands of reservists on Friday, a clear sign of the recent escalation after weeks of preparatory strikes in some of Gaza City's neighborhoods.

Israeli authorities claim that Gaza City is a Hamas stronghold, with a network of tunnels. In response, the Israeli army has begun a planned offensive in Gaza's largest city, declaring it a combat zone. The Israeli military stated that it will intensify its strikes until it brings back all kidnapped hostages and dismantles Hamas.

The death toll from malnutrition-related causes in Gaza since the war began is 322, with 121 being children. The Hamas-run government ministry, considered the most reliable source on the war's casualties by the UN and independent experts, reported five more deaths from malnutrition over the past 24 hours. The death toll in Gaza has risen to 63,025, with 59 deaths reported over the last 24 hours.

Aid groups and a church sheltering people in Gaza City refuse to abandon the hungry and displaced. Mohamed Aboul Hadi, a resident of Gaza City, stated that the massacres never stopped, even during the humanitarian pauses. Mohammed Maarouf, another resident, expressed frustration, saying, "We are thrown in the streets like dogs."

Facing international criticism, Israel instituted "tactical pauses" in Gaza City and two other populated areas last month. However, aid deliveries remained challenging due to the blockade, looting, and Israeli restrictions. Aid organizations and UN agencies denounced the offensive, but residents of Gaza City lamented that the condemnation had done little to dissuade Israel's resolve.

Thousands rallied in Tel Aviv on Friday to press for the release of Gaza hostages. The hostages Israel is seeking in the current offensive include several kidnapped Israelis held in Gaza by Hamas, such as Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, Naama Levy, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, and others captured during the attack on October 7, 2023. Israel estimates about 48 hostages remain, of whom around 20 are still alive in Gaza.

Some who fled south were putting together tents in the central Gaza Strip on Friday. Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged Palestinians in Gaza City to flee south, calling evacuation "inevitable." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel must destroy Hamas's capabilities in the city to prevent a recurrence of the conflict.

Plumes of smoke and thunderous blasts were seen and heard across the border in southern Israel on Friday morning. The Israeli military stated that it will continue its strikes until its objectives are met. The situation in Gaza City remains tense and unpredictable, with the future of the city's residents hanging in the balance.

Military action initiated by Israel, designating Gaza's largest urban area as a war zone