Israeli Forces Advance into Gaza City, Sparking Further Displacement
BEIJING, September 2, Xinhua – Despite international calls for de-escalation, Israel has intensified military operations with a focus on gaining control of the Gaza Strip, initiating a major offensive concentrated in Gaza City, located in the northern part of the territory.
On September 1st, Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses reported Israeli tanks entering the heart of Gaza City. Israeli forces also detonated vehicles laden with explosives in a suburban area, contributing to a day that resulted in at least 19 Palestinian deaths, according to the same sources.
Reuters reported that the Israeli military did not officially comment on the operations in Gaza City. Residents described the deployment of older armored vehicles into the densely populated Sheikhradwan District, followed by remote detonations that destroyed homes and prompted further civilian flight.Prior to the ground incursion, the Israeli military distributed leaflets over Gaza City instructing residents to evacuate south, citing plans to expand military operations westward.
“People are confused.Staying here is waiting to die, wanting to leave but aimlessly,” Mohammed Abu Abdullah, 55, a Sheikhradwan resident, told Reuters via a chat application, describing the desperate situation.”It’s a terrifying night, explosions are endless, and drones are hovering over the area. Manny people abandon their homes to escape their lives, and others don’t know where to go.”
The Israeli military stated it is engaged in combat with Hamas militants throughout the Gaza Strip, having targeted and bombed numerous military facilities and posts it claims are used by Hamas to launch attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu convened a security cabinet meeting late on August 31st to discuss plans for a new offensive aimed at seizing Gaza City.The Gaza Strip’s health department, controlled by Hamas, reported 98 Palestinians killed by Israeli artillery fire in the past 24 hours, ending September 1st. They also reported nine deaths due to malnutrition and hunger, including three children. Since the start of the current conflict, the health department claims at least 348 Palestinians have died from malnutrition and hunger, 127 of whom where children.Israel disputes these figures, asserting that over 300 deaths were caused by other illnesses, not starvation.
(Shen Min, xinhua News Agency)
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