Israel Intensifies Gaza Offensive Amid Civilian Exodus and Genocide Allegations
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared on X that «Gaza is burning», saying the IDF was striking Hamas «with an iron fist». Overnight bombardments killed at least 40 people, according to Gaza health officials, with tanks and air strikes reported across several districts.
Columns of civilians fled Gaza City towards the south and west, many on foot or in carts, Reuters reports.
«They are wiping out our memories,» said Abu Tamer, a 70-year-old man escaping with his family.
Others said they had no choice but to remain, with one resident calling it «escaping from death towards death».
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced support for Israel’s abandonment of ceasefire talks, urging Hamas to disband, disarm and release all hostages. Hamas has said it will only do so under a permanent ceasefire tied to Palestinian statehood.
Witnesses in Tel Al-Hawa described relentless bombardment and blasts that sent debris hundreds of metres. Around 350,000 people have already fled Gaza City, while nearly twice as many remain.
Conditions in the south are worsening. Gaza’s health ministry reported three more deaths from starvation, bringing the total to 428, mostly in the last two months. Aid agencies warn of a man-made famine as overcrowding and shortages deepen.
A UN Commission of Inquiry said Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, citing killings, displacement and the prevention of births, claims Israel dismissed as «scandalous» and «fake». Some Israeli commanders have also expressed concern that the assault could endanger hostages and troops.
Families of those still held in Gaza gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s home, demanding action. Israel says 20 of the 48 remaining hostages are alive. Hamas’ October 2023 attack killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, sparking the war, which Gaza authorities say has since killed more than 64,000 Palestinians.
