Gaza City under siege as Israel’s military campaign intensifies
Israel’s military launched an intensified push into Gaza City, seeking to seize areas it describes as a central Hamas stronghold, prompting a new wave of displacement as residents frantically attempt to flee, as The National reported on September 16th.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that “Gaza is burning” following strong air strikes, while military spokesman Lt Col Avichay Adraee warned civilians to evacuate. According to Adraee, up to 40% have tried to do so.
For many Palestinians, however, the means of escape are overwhelmingly expensive, with lorries offering transport demanding exorbitant sums, in some cases up to US$1,000, for rides. Many people have no means to secure transportation and face the harrowing choice of staying or walking. “Death feels easier than this kind of suffering,” said Aya Rajab, who is a 31-year-old resident.
The Israeli army says the escalation is part of what it calls the “main phase” of its operation to destroy Hamas’s central command, estimating that 2,000–3,000 fighters remain in Gaza City. Thousands of additional troops are reportedly being mobilised. The military insists efforts are being made to reduce harm to civilians, but residents—bombarded by low-flying helicopters, struck by stray shrapnel, and deprived of safe corridors—say otherwise.
International reactions are strong. At a summit in Doha, Arab and Islamic countries denounced Israel’s conduct, citing not only recent attacks but also broader actions in the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. But Gazans have said the diplomatic gathering provided little relief.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Jerusalem and reiterated what he called America’s “unwavering support” for Israel’s pursuit of Hamas, framing it as a prerequisite for any stable peace.
On the legal front, a United Nations independent commission has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The independent experts commissioned by the United Nations, also called on foreign nations to bring the genocide to an end. Israel has rejected the accusations as false.
Israel recently claimed it has taken control of 40% of Gaza City amid escalating operations. Reportedly, humanitarian aid efforts are hampered by both the fighting and restrictions on access.
According to the Health Ministry of Gaza, recorded deaths exceed 64,700, while at least 163,859 have been injured, since Israel began its conflict with Gaza on October 7th 2023.
The National, Maghrebi.org, AP
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