Israel bombs Gaza high-rises; Katz proclaims "unleashing of infernal gates"

In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the situation in Gaza has escalated significantly, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

On October 7, 2023, Israel suffered the most severe losses in a surprise Hamas-led attack, resulting in around 1,200 fatalities. Concurrently, at least 44 people, including seven children, were reported killed across Gaza on Friday.

The offensive in Gaza has intensified, particularly in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, where new forced evacuation orders have been issued for additional districts in the city's core. The rapid pace of the offensive has left many civilians with few safe places.

One of the most significant incidents was the destruction of the Mushtaha Tower, a 12-storey building in Gaza City. The tower was hit shortly after a forced evacuation order, with witnesses reporting families scrambling to flee before it collapsed. This attack marked a significant escalation in Israel's campaign in Gaza.

Explosions continued in the vicinity of a five-storey building in central Gaza City, leaving surrounding areas clouded in smoke and panic. Residents of the building were given little time to evacuate before an Israeli strike reduced part of the structure to rubble.

The Israeli military's stated objective is the complete defeat of Hamas and full control of Gaza's largest urban center. However, the conflict has taken a heavy toll on civilians. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, children continue to bear the heaviest toll in the conflict, with about 30 percent of the Palestinians killed being children, averaging 28 deaths daily since the war began in October 2023.

The situation in Gaza is described as "unthinkable" by the United Nations children's agency, UNICEF. Residents of Gaza describe the trauma of repeated displacement, including the grief of abandoning homes, belongings, and familiar neighborhoods under constant bombardment.

Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has warned that "the gates of hell" are opening in Gaza as Israeli forces step up their offensive. In the October 7 attacks, 1,139 people were killed in Israel, and about 200 taken captive.

The assault is unfolding as Israeli forces claim control of 40% of Gaza City. Many families in Gaza are contemplating the perilous journey south due to fear and uncertainty, adding to the already dire situation in the region.