Israeli forces intensify Gaza City offensive as global leaders warn of humanitarian catastrophe and rising risks to the Abraham Accords. Image Credit: Dawn
Israeli Forces Intensify Gaza Offensive Amid Growing Humanitarian Crisis
(The Post News) – Israeli Forces have stepped up their campaign in Gaza City, destroying over 30 residential buildings and forcing thousands of residents to flee, Palestinian officials confirmed on Sunday. This escalation comes as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in the region to discuss the Gaza Offensive, potential ceasefire negotiations, and the urgent humanitarian response.
Gaza Offensive and Global Diplomacy
The Gaza Offensive is part of Israel’s stated mission to dismantle Hamas’ final strongholds. Israeli army units have been operating for weeks in the eastern suburbs of Gaza City, turning large parts of the region into uninhabitable wastelands. Aid agencies have warned that an Israeli takeover of Gaza City would have catastrophic consequences for the 1 million Palestinians currently sheltering there.
Rubio stated, “What’s happened, has happened. We’re going to meet with the Israeli leadership and discuss what the future holds.” His visit includes a symbolic trip to the Western Wall with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signaling continued U.S.-Israel cooperation despite rising tensions.
For deeper context on the ongoing humanitarian situation, UN OCHA’s Gaza updates provide comprehensive data and statistics on civilian displacement and aid access.
Abraham Accords at Risk
The situation is further complicated by concerns over the Abraham Accords. Netanyahu recently signed an agreement to expand settlements across West Bank land, prompting the UAE to warn that the move risks undermining the U.S.-brokered normalization deal between Israel and several Arab states.
U.S. officials have described Israel’s unilateral airstrike in Doha – which targeted Hamas’ political leadership – as an unnecessary escalation that does not serve American or Israeli interests. Qatar is set to host an emergency Arab-Islamic summit to discuss potential political pressure and diplomatic solutions.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza is worsening. The health ministry reported two additional deaths from malnutrition within 24 hours, raising the total death toll from starvation to 422 – including 145 children. Although Israel has allowed more aid into the enclave since late July, the United Nations says it is still far from adequate.
Tens of thousands of residents have fled Gaza City, but many remain. “The bombardment intensified everywhere and we took down the tents, more than twenty families, we do not know where to go,” said Musbah Al-Kafarna, a displaced resident.
Military Escalation and Civilian Impact
Israeli Forces completed five waves of airstrikes last week, hitting over 500 targets, including reconnaissance posts, tunnel openings, and weapons depots. Local officials report at least 40 deaths from Israeli fire, 28 of them in Gaza City alone.
Hamas has stated that more than 1,600 residential buildings and 13,000 tents have been destroyed since August 11. According to local authorities, Israel’s nearly two-year-long campaign has killed over 64,000 people in Gaza. This campaign was sparked by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 kidnapped.
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