GazaHerald – As Israel continues its devastating military campaign to seize complete control of Gaza City, daily life there has devolved into a fight for survival. Entire neighborhoods have come under relentless bombardment, with residents reporting that the sound of drones and jets is almost constant. Families navigate streets filled with debris in search of food and shelter, finding little to sustain them.
In search of safety, some locals have tried to relocate south, but it’s still unclear where citizens can actually flee the violence.
A particularly destructive attack took place behind Al-Aqsa Hospital, where three missiles struck a makeshift camp. Israeli forces have been conducting continuous artillery and aerial bombardment as they continue their 11th day of incursion into the Zeitoun neighborhood in southern Gaza.
The Civil Defense in Gaza reported that more than 450 homes and buildings have been destroyed in Zeitoun alone, the largest neighborhood in Gaza’s Old City.
Authorities warned that the occupation is forcing residents to flee toward so-called humanitarian zones, which is “a policy aimed at perpetuating the suffering of citizens and creating obstacles for humanitarian responders.”
Distress calls have been coming in around the clock from residents trapped in these areas, particularly in Zeitoun, Sabra, Jabalia in the north, and Khan Yunis in the south. Civil Defense teams say the situation is rapidly becoming catastrophic, with families facing extreme danger and almost no access to basic necessities.
The Israeli occupation army announced the launch of the first stages of its attack on Gaza City as part of “Operation Gideon 2.” Air and artillery strikes have continued in Zeitoun, while hospitals across the Gaza Strip reported more than 81 Palestinian deaths in various areas due to Israeli army fire.
An Israeli army spokesperson confirmed in a press conference on Wednesday evening that forces are positioned on the outskirts of Gaza City and plan to intensify operations with elite units, marking the official start of the second phase of Operation Gideon, following orders from Israel’s political leadership.
