Israel Pushes Deeper Into Gaza City 53 Killed
Israeli Advance in Gaza City Leaves Dozens Dead
Gaza health officials reported on Thursday that at least 53 people were killed by Israeli strikes across the enclave, with most of the casualties in Gaza City. Israeli forces have pushed deeper into the city’s outskirts and are now just a few kilometers from the center.
“We continue to damage Hamas’ infrastructure. Today we hold 40% of Gaza City,” said Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin. He highlighted the Zeitoun and Sheikh Radwan neighborhoods as key targets and warned that the operation would intensify in the coming days. Defrin added that Israel’s mission would continue until Hamas’ rule ends and remaining hostages are freed.
He also confirmed that army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir told cabinet ministers that without a post-war plan, Israel would need to impose military rule in Gaza — a move some far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government support, though Netanyahu has rejected it.
The offensive in Gaza City began on August 10, as part of Netanyahu’s push to defeat Hamas in areas that saw the fiercest fighting during the war’s first phase. But the campaign has drawn global criticism over the worsening humanitarian crisis and even sparked debate inside Israel over strategy.
Residents described heavy bombardments across several districts, including Zeitoun, Sabra, Tuffah, and Shejaia. Tanks advanced into the Sheikh Radwan area, destroying homes and setting fires in tent encampments. In Tuffah, medics reported eight people killed and dozens wounded after strikes damaged five houses.
“The Israeli occupation targeted civilians and several homes in the Mashahra area, destroying four buildings completely,” said Mahmoud Bassal, spokesperson for Gaza’s civil emergency services. “Even with warnings, there are no safe places left for people to go.”
Many residents say fleeing offers little protection. “This time, I am not leaving my house. I want to die here,” said Um Nader, a mother of five, in a text message to Reuters. “Those who left were killed too, so why bother?”
Much of Gaza City was devastated during the first weeks of the war in late 2023. Once home to a million people, hundreds of thousands have since returned to the ruins after being forced from other parts of Gaza. Israel has once again urged civilians to evacuate south, saying 70,000 have already left. Palestinian officials dispute the figure, estimating less than half that number, with many still trapped in the path of Israel’s advance.
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