Gaza city residents flee as Israeli tanks and planes pound eastern suburbs. Photo courtesy: TimesLive
(The Post News)- Heavy bombardments have resumed in Gaza City, with Israeli tanks and planes targeting eastern suburbs, just hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his expectation to complete a new expanded offensive against Hamas “fairly quickly.” The strikes have displaced many families, with some residents describing it as one of the worst nights in weeks.
In a separate incident, an Israeli airstrike at Gaza City’s Al Shifa Hospital compound killed six journalists, including prominent Al Jazeera correspondent Anas Al Sharif. Israel confirmed the strike, alleging Al Sharif had links to Hamas, which Al Jazeera denies.
The Israeli military said its forces fired artillery at Hamas militants in the area, while Netanyahu instructed the military to speed up plans for the new offensive, aiming to seize control of Gaza City. However, officials estimate the evacuation of civilians may take until October, allowing time for a ceasefire deal.
The planned offensive has raised international concerns, with French President Emmanuel Macron warning of “a disaster of unprecedented gravity” and Germany halting military equipment exports to Israel. Britain and other European allies have also urged Israel to reconsider its decision.
Meanwhile, hunger-related deaths in Gaza have increased, with the territory’s health ministry reporting five more deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 222, including 101 children. Israeli officials claim to have increased aid entry into Gaza, but Palestinian and UN officials say it’s insufficient.
The conflict has also led to a significant loss of life among journalists, with the Gaza government media office reporting 238 journalists killed in almost two years of war. In response to the ongoing conflict, Australia has announced it will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly next month, joining other countries in adding international pressure on Israel.
The move is seen as a step towards a two-state solution and a ceasefire in Gaza. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for a political solution, stating that a two-state solution is “humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East.”
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