In the heart of Gaza City, the territory’s largest urban center, residents are on the move as the Israeli military ramps up its bombardment and prepares for a potential ground operation. Over the past 24 hours, at least 71 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds wounded, according to Gaza’s health ministry, as fierce shelling pounds neighborhoods like Shuja’iyya, Zeitoun and Sabra.
Local medics in Rafah report 31 gunshot victims admitted to a Red Cross field hospital – four of whom arrived with fatal wounds. Meanwhile, UN humanitarians warn that an assault on Gaza City could be "beyond catastrophic." Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, described the plan as ushering "a new and dangerous phase," with hundreds of thousands of displaced families facing even deeper peril.
"This must stop," Guterres urged before a Security Council session, calling on all parties to protect civilians and respect international law. Cindy McCain, executive director of the World Food Program, added that faster aid approvals are critical to help communities running out of food and water.
European capitals from Amsterdam to Stockholm are echoing these concerns. In a joint letter to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, ministers from the Netherlands, Sweden and Slovenia urged the European Union to step up pressure on Tel Aviv to change course. "More needs to be done to ramp up pressure to meet its obligations under international law," they wrote, warning that Europe risks losing its global influence without decisive action.
As diplomatic calls intensify, Hamas has hinted at accepting a ceasefire proposal that would free some hostages. Israeli officials insist on the release of all captives and Hamass surrender as preconditions to any deal. For now, Gaza City remains on edge, its skyline scarred by smoke and uncertainty.
In a conflict that shows no signs of abating, global voices are uniting behind a singular plea: pause the fighting, protect the innocent and chart a path toward lasting peace.
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Israel steps up bombing of Gaza City leading to global outcry
cgtn.com
