Gaza City Under Siege as Israeli Forces Push Towards City Center, Forcing Thousands to Flee:

Gaza City – The Israeli military has intensified its offensive in Gaza, pushing deeper into the heart of Gaza City from two directions and forcing tens of thousands of residents towards the coastline in a desperate search for safety. The latest operation has led to widespread destruction, growing civilian casualties, and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the densely populated enclave. Israeli military spokesperson Nadav Shoshani confirmed on Thursday that ground troops, tanks, and artillery are advancing into central Gaza City, supported by air force strikes. The stated objective, according to the Israeli military, is to apply mounting pressure on Hamas, the armed group governing Gaza. Al Jazeera’s correspondent Hani Mahmoud, reporting from central Gaza, described the offensive as a "pincer movement" – with Israeli forces advancing from the northwest and southeast, effectively “sandwiching” the population in the middle and forcing them westward towards the coast and the al-Rashid coastal road, the only viable escape route. “The attacks on overcrowded neighborhoods are causing panic and fear, and pushing people literally to run for their lives,” Mahmoud reported. “We’re seeing waves of people now doing just that.” Death Toll Rises Amid Relentless Attacks At least 40 Palestinians were killed in Gaza City on Thursday alone, according to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera. Residents reported nonstop aerial bombardment from drones and fighter jets, as well as explosions caused by remote-controlled vehicles – unmanned ground units loaded with explosives used to destroy buildings and clear pathways for advancing Israeli forces. The use of such robotic devices, alongside airstrikes and heavy artillery, has left parts of the city resembling a war zone, with families trapped or fleeing through rubble-strewn streets. With no declared safe zones in Gaza, many civilians now face the devastating possibility of permanent displacement. Gaza’s Last Lifelines Are Collapsing According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Gaza City is facing a collapse of its last remaining lifelines. The humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating, with little or no access to food, water, electricity, or medical aid. OCHA has accused Israel of "systematically blocking" humanitarian efforts, pointing to the continued closure of the Zikim crossing – a vital entry point for aid into northern Gaza. The agency also reported Israeli bans on certain food items, deepening the risk of famine in already suffering areas. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics estimates that around 740,000 people – about 35% of Gaza’s 2.1 million population – remain in the northern parts of the enclave. However, these numbers are rapidly decreasing as airstrikes and ground assaults intensify. International Condemnation Mounts International criticism of Israel’s military actions continues to grow. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) condemned what it described as Israel’s “blatant disregard” for international humanitarian law, especially its failure to distinguish between military targets and civilians. Meanwhile, the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unrestricted access for humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages held by Hamas. The move drew global criticism, with diplomats warning that such actions further isolate the peace process. The UK’s permanent representative to the UN, Barbara Woodward, expressed deep concern over the escalation. “Israel’s reckless expansion of its military operation takes us further away from a deal which could bring the hostages home and end the suffering in Gaza,” she said. The Crisis Deepens While the world watches, the situation on the ground in Gaza continues to deteriorate. With airstrikes ongoing, ground operations expanding, and humanitarian aid largely cut off, many fear that Gaza is spiraling further into a catastrophe with no end in sight. As families flee once again, and hopes of a ceasefire fade, the people of Gaza remain trapped in a conflict that shows no signs of slowing down.

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