Genocidal war in Gaza enters 700th day, with enclave facing widespread devastation and famine
The Israeli army announced on Friday plans to target multiple multi-story buildings in Gaza over the coming days, accompanied by evacuation orders for residents in affected areas.
Spokesman Avichay Adraee claimed that intelligence indicated Hamas had “integrated military infrastructure” inside these buildings.
Israeli Channel 12 reported that the Israeli Air Force had begun a gradual operation to destroy these buildings across Gaza, marking an expansion of military operations in the city.
Israeli forces also dropped leaflets over the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City, urging residents to evacuate blocks 699, 700, 712, 713, 716, and 764, saying the army “continues to expand its operations westward. Move south from Gaza City immediately.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz further said the initial evacuation notice had been issued to a multi-story building in Gaza, warning that military activity would intensify unless Hamas met conditions including the release of hostages and disarmament.
On Aug. 18, the Palestinian resistance group Hamas accepted a ceasefire proposal put forward by Egyptian and Qatari mediators. While Israel has not responded to the proposal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave orders to proceed with a plan to occupy Gaza City.
Tel Aviv estimates that nearly 50 Israeli hostages are still held in Gaza, including 20 alive. Meanwhile, there are more than 10,400 Palestinians being held in Israeli prisons, suffering from torture, starvation, and medical neglect, which has resulted in many deaths, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights and media reports.
The ongoing genocide in Gaza entered its 700th day on Friday, with Israel having killed more than 64,000 Palestinians. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
