Israeli forces launched a major assault on Gaza City early Monday, with columns of tanks advancing from multiple directions, marking one of the most intense attacks since the conflict began on October 7.
According to the Gaza Civil Emergency Service, dozens of people have been killed, but ongoing offensives in areas such as Daraj, Tuffah, Tel Al-Hawa, Sabra, and Rimal have made it difficult for emergency teams to reach the victims.
Residents reported that Israeli tanks had positioned themselves in parts of Tel Al-Hawa and Sabra but had not penetrated deeply into the other districts, which experienced continuous bombing throughout the night. Several multi-story buildings were destroyed in the attacks.
One tank advance from the east forced people towards the western road near the Mediterranean. “The enemy is behind us and the sea is in front of us, where will we go?” said Abdel-Ghani, a Gaza City resident.
“Tank shells and missiles from planes are falling on the roads and houses like hell from a volcano. People are running in all directions and no one knows where to go.”
The Israeli military stated that it was conducting an operation against militant infrastructure in Gaza and had neutralized over 30 fighters who posed threats to Israeli troops.
This new offensive coincides with mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as the Gaza conflict enters its tenth month.
Gaza residents reported that tanks advanced from at least three directions into the heart of Gaza City, supported by heavy fire from both air and ground forces. Thousands were forced to flee their homes, seeking shelter that was often impossible to find.
Medical staff at Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital had to evacuate patients to the already overcrowded and under-equipped Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials.
The conflict began on October 7 when Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel, resulting in 1,200 Israeli deaths and around 250 hostages taken, according to Israeli figures.
Gaza health officials report that over 38,000 Palestinians have been killed due to Israel’s military offensive.
Hopes for a ceasefire rose after Hamas accepted a key part of a U.S. proposal, with an Israeli official acknowledging a real chance for a deal. Hamas agreed to negotiate a permanent ceasefire during a six-week initial phase, a Hamas source told reporters.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that any agreement must allow Israel to resume fighting until its objectives—dismantling Hamas’ military and governing capabilities and securing the return of Israeli hostages—are achieved.
U.S. CIA Director William Burns is scheduled to meet with the Qatari Prime Minister, and Israeli and Egyptian intelligence chiefs on Wednesday in Doha, according to a source familiar with the matter.
