Israeli troops and tanks advanced further into Gaza City on Wednesday, pushing into the densely populated Sheikh Radwan neighborhood despite mounting international calls to halt the offensive.
Residents reported widespread destruction as homes, tents, schools, and a medical clinic were hit, forcing thousands to flee once again. Local health officials said at least 24 Palestinians, including children, were killed across Gaza on Wednesday, most of them in Gaza City.
“Sheikh Radwan is being burnt upside-down. The occupation destroyed houses, burnt tents, and drones ordered people to leave,” said Zakeya Sami, 60, a mother of five.
The Israeli military said its operations targeted “terrorist organizations” and vowed to eliminate threats to Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to capture Gaza City, which he calls the last Hamas stronghold.
Israel’s military leaders have previously warned that a full assault could endanger hostages held in Gaza, while protests in Jerusalem this week demanded a ceasefire and the release of captives.
The offensive threatens to displace nearly one million Palestinians, adding to a humanitarian crisis marked by acute food shortages and mounting deaths from malnutrition. Gaza health officials report more than 63,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October 2023.
Hamas has offered to release hostages in exchange for a ceasefire, but Israel has not formally accepted the proposal.
Residents reported widespread destruction as homes, tents, schools, and a medical clinic were hit, forcing thousands to flee once again. Local health officials said at least 24 Palestinians, including children, were killed across Gaza on Wednesday, most of them in Gaza City.
“Sheikh Radwan is being burnt upside-down. The occupation destroyed houses, burnt tents, and drones ordered people to leave,” said Zakeya Sami, 60, a mother of five.
The Israeli military said its operations targeted “terrorist organizations” and vowed to eliminate threats to Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to capture Gaza City, which he calls the last Hamas stronghold.
Israel’s military leaders have previously warned that a full assault could endanger hostages held in Gaza, while protests in Jerusalem this week demanded a ceasefire and the release of captives.
The offensive threatens to displace nearly one million Palestinians, adding to a humanitarian crisis marked by acute food shortages and mounting deaths from malnutrition. Gaza health officials report more than 63,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October 2023.
Hamas has offered to release hostages in exchange for a ceasefire, but Israel has not formally accepted the proposal.
