Israeli Attacks Intensify in Gaza: Death Toll Surges Amid Communication Blackout
In recent days, Israeli forces have intensified their offensive on Gaza City, leading to a significant increase in casualties and widespread displacement of Palestinians. According to reports from Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye, the attacks have included air strikes, artillery shelling, and the use of booby-trapped vehicles and quadcopters. This escalation comes despite international criticism and a UN commission ruling that Israel is committing genocide in the besieged enclave.
Background and Context
The recent offensive is a continuation of the conflict that has been ongoing since October 2023. Israel's actions have been condemned by international bodies, with the UN commission ruling on the charge of genocide. Despite this, Israeli forces have pressed on, with former army commander Herzi Halevi admitting that over 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or wounded in the conflict, and that the army was never once constrained by legal advice.
Key Developments
The recent escalation in violence has seen a significant rise in casualties. Medical sources reported to Al Jazeera that at least 29 people were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip in one day, 17 of whom were in Gaza City. On another day, the death toll rose to 37, including 24 in Gaza City. A particularly tragic incident involved an Israeli air strike on a car carrying displaced civilians fleeing the city, killing at least five people.
Alongside the human toll, the offensive has also led to substantial infrastructural damage. A 13th-century mosque in the Tuffah neighbourhood of Gaza City was bombed and destroyed. The Palestinian Telecommunications Company confirmed an internet and mobile network outage in the city due to Israel's attacks on infrastructure.
Implications and Reactions
The current situation has left Gaza City effectively cut off from the outside world, with a complete internet and communication blackout for two consecutive days. This measure has isolated approximately 800,000 Palestinians in Gaza, exacerbating the suffering of civilians. Alongside this, the continuous bombing has forced tens of thousands of Palestinians to be expelled southwards out of the city.
These actions have drawn international condemnation. Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), for instance, condemned an Israeli strike on Gaza's only specialist children's hospital. Fikr Shalltoot, MAP's Gaza Director, called on the international community to intervene to stop Israel's genocide in Gaza and violations of international law.
Current Status
As the offensive continues, the situation remains precarious for Palestinians in Gaza City. Israeli forces are reportedly preparing for a major assault, with tens of thousands of Palestinians forcibly expelled from the city. Amid the escalating violence, the death toll continues to rise, with the Palestinian health ministry confirming that the number of deaths as a direct result of Israeli attacks has surpassed 65,100.