Israeli forces intensified strikes on the suburbs of Gaza City overnight, unleashing air and ground assaults that destroyed homes and forced hundreds of families to flee toward the city's western districts. The bombardment, centered on the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood—one of the largest in Gaza City—comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to discuss a full-scale offensive with his security cabinet.
Local health authorities reported at least 18 fatalities on Sunday, including 13 civilians who sought food near an aid distribution site in the central Gaza Strip, and two more killed in an explosion inside a Gaza City home. Hospitals, already stretched thin by weeks of conflict, scrambled to treat the injured, underscoring the deepening humanitarian crisis.
On the diplomatic front, Hamas confirmed the death of one of its senior military commanders during the latest round of strikes. The loss deals a blow to the group's leadership and raises concerns over potential escalations in retaliation.
The Israeli military has gradually ramped up operations around Gaza City over the past three weeks, declaring the area a "dangerous combat zone" and pausing temporary ceasefires that had allowed limited aid deliveries to reach besieged communities. According to military sources, moving forward with a plan to seize the city, deemed Hamas's last stronghold, is a strategic priority.
As families seek refuge in the western parts of Gaza City, aid workers warn that continued displacement and shrinking humanitarian corridors could push an already fragile population into deeper crisis. The coming days will be critical as Netanyahu's cabinet finalizes its strategy and the international community watches closely.
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Israel bombards Gaza City suburbs, Hamas confirms military leader dead
cgtn.com
