JERUSALEM: Israel pressed ahead with its assault on Gaza City on Saturday, carrying out demolitions of high-rise buildings and underground shafts in operations that killed at least 60 Palestinians, according to Gazan health authorities.
The intensified campaign comes as ten countries, including Australia, Belgium, Britain and Canada, are expected to formally recognise a Palestinian state on Monday, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Israeli forces, now holding Gaza City’s eastern suburbs, have been targeting the Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa areas to prepare for an advance westward.
The military says it has demolished around 20 tower blocks in recent weeks, estimating that half a million residents have fled the city this month. Hamas disputes that figure, saying nearly 900,000 civilians remain, including dozens of Israeli hostages.
On Saturday, Hamas released an image of hostages on Telegram, warning that Israel’s offensive endangered their lives. Of the 251 hostages seized in the October 7, 2023 attacks, 48 are still believed to be in Gaza, with about 20 thought to be alive.
Humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate. Hamas claims Israel has destroyed over 1,800 residential buildings and more than 13,000 tents for displaced families since August. Aid delivery remains contested: Israel accuses Hamas of blocking relief routes, while Hamas blames armed gangs allegedly protected by Israeli firepower.
The nearly two-year conflict has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and displaced most of Gaza’s population. Israel rejects accusations of famine creation, saying Hamas is responsible for aid disruption.
The latest escalation coincides with mounting international pressure. Recognition of Palestinian statehood by multiple Western and allied countries is expected to be a major issue at the U.N. this week, alongside U.S. plans for a $6.4 billion weapons sale to Israel.–Reuters
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