Gaza City: At least 18 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes Gaza City over the weekend, including 13 civilians seeking food near a distribution site, local health authorities reported. The casualties highlight the worsening humanitarian situation as Israel’s military campaign continues.
Heavy Bombardment in Gaza City
Residents of Sheikh Radwan, one of Gaza City’s largest neighborhoods, said Israeli forces conducted tank and air strikes from Saturday night into Sunday morning, forcing families to flee.
“Israeli troops are crawling into the heart of the city from the east, north, and south, while bombing those areas from the air and ground to scare people to leave,” said Rezik Salah, a local father of two.
The Israeli military described Gaza City as a “dangerous combat zone” and is reportedly reviewing civilian casualty reports.
Humanitarian Efforts and Flotilla Mission
A humanitarian flotilla from Barcelona, carrying activists including Greta Thunberg and European lawmakers, is preparing to sail to Gaza. The mission, called Sumud (“Perseverance”), aims to break Israel’s blockade and open a humanitarian corridor.
Additional ships are scheduled to depart from Tunisia and other Mediterranean ports on September 4. Previous attempts were intercepted by Israel in June and July.
Civilian Displacement and Risks
Israel intends to evacuate civilians before intensifying ground operations, but aid agencies warn such a move could trigger massive population displacement. About half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents are believed to shelter in Gaza City, with thousands attempting to move southward.
War Toll and Political Pressure
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, after a Hamas attack on southern Israel. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry reports at least 63,000 Palestinians killed, most civilians, with the UN calling the situation a famine affecting 500,000 people.
Meanwhile, protests continue in Tel Aviv, with families of hostages demanding government action, and Hamas confirming the death of Mohammed Sinwar, its presumed leader in Gaza.
Regional Tensions
Israel also struck a Hezbollah facility in southern Lebanon, citing violations of previous security agreements, signaling a wider regional escalation.
