In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Israeli airstrikes relentlessly pounded parts of Gaza’s largest city on Thursday, as reported by Hamas. This intense military action follows the Israeli military’s announcement of the conclusion of its operation in the eastern district of Shejaiya, which witnessed the fiercest combat in Gaza City for months.
Surge in Combat and Displacement
This surge in violence and displacement comes on the heels of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's late June statement, declaring that “the war in its intense phase is about to end.” Despite this declaration, the conflict rages on, coinciding with ongoing truce and hostage release negotiations in Qatar, which have continued for over nine months.
Destruction in Shejaiya
Hamas officials reported that Israeli troops have withdrawn from Shejaiya, leaving behind a trail of destruction with over 300 residential units and more than 100 businesses obliterated. Eyewitnesses described tanks and troops advancing into other areas of Gaza City, where clashes between Israeli forces and militants are ongoing. Explosions, artillery shelling, and gunfire echoed throughout the city, with smoke billowing from various locations, as captured in social media posts.
🇮🇱 -- GAZA UPDATE: The IDF have completed a two-week operation in the Shejaiya neighborhood of Gaza City, during which they dismantled 8 significant tunnels and killed over 150 Hamas terrorists. pic.twitter.com/Z4B9B8wvSx
— Belaaz News (@TheBelaaz) July 11, 2024
Intense Bombardment
Hamas documented 45 airstrikes in Gaza City and Rafah on Thursday alone. This comes in the wake of Netanyahu’s assertion that the intense phase of the war was nearing its conclusion. The devastation from these strikes has left parts of Gaza City in ruins, with immense destruction reported by local sources.
The October 7 Attack and Its Aftermath
The conflict traces back to Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in the tragic loss of 1,200 lives, predominantly civilians, according to independent news sources. Additionally, militants captured hostages, with 116 still in captivity in Gaza, including 42 presumed dead by the Israeli military.
In retaliation, Israel launched a comprehensive military offensive, targeting Hamas militants but also causing significant civilian casualties due to Hamas’ strategic use of human shields and civilian infrastructure. Thousands have perished in this conflict, highlighting the profound human toll of this ongoing war.
Rafah: A Final Stronghold
The Israeli military has identified Rafah as Hamas’ last bastion, having previously dismantled the militant group’s military infrastructure in northern Gaza. Netanyahu remains resolute in his mission to eradicate Hamas, a goal met with skepticism from critics within Israel and the international community.
ICYMI: These terrorists from central Rafah launched rockets into Jewish towns near Gaza and within 30 minutes were eliminated.
— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) July 11, 2024
Remember those saying there is no Hamas in Rafah? pic.twitter.com/fw2iQXqxwh
Shejaiya Operation Concluded
On Wednesday, the Israeli army declared the completion of its mission in Shejaiya, following two weeks of intensive bombardment and combat. Visual evidence posted online reveals the area transformed into a desolate wasteland. The military dropped leaflets warning Gaza City residents of the ongoing danger, urging them to evacuate along designated routes. The UN's humanitarian agency, OCHA, reported that up to 350,000 people are still in Gaza City, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis.
Humanitarian Concerns
The United Nations has voiced grave concerns over the humanitarian impact of the latest evacuations, warning of increased suffering for Palestinian families who have already endured multiple displacements. The UN underscores the critical levels of need among these populations.
Israeli Government's Position
An Israeli government spokesperson emphasized that the objective is to safeguard civilians as military operations continue against militants. In contrast, Hamas official Hossam Badran condemned the escalated military activities, asserting that Israel aims to pressure the resistance into abandoning its legitimate demands in truce negotiations.
Truce Talks in Qatar
High-stakes truce negotiations are underway in Qatar, with an Israeli delegation led by spy chief David Barnea and CIA Director William Burns also expected to join the talks. Netanyahu recently met with US President Joe Biden's special envoy for the Middle East, Brett McGurk, reaffirming his commitment to a truce plan that upholds Israel's red lines.
UNRWA Headquarters Targeted
The former UNRWA headquarters has been a focal point in the latest operations. The Israeli military reported uncovering significant weapons caches, including explosive drones and rockets, in the vicinity. Despite UNRWA losing control of the building in October, Israel has presented substantial evidence that Hamas utilized UNRWA facilities for military purposes, including command centers, rocket launch sites, and tunnel entrances.
Overnight, the IDF conducted a counterterrorism operation against Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists operating inside @UNRWA's Headquarters in Gaza City.
— Eylon Levy (@EylonALevy) July 10, 2024
The UN has never acknowledged Hamas and Islamic Jihad operating out of its buildings. pic.twitter.com/Non71nvozc
As the conflict continues to unfold, the situation in Gaza remains precarious, with the international community closely monitoring developments and the humanitarian crisis deepening with each passing day.
