Israel's Aerial Assault on Gaza City: Thousands Flee Amid Intense Strikes

Gaza City Residents Forced to Flee as Israel Carries Out Intense Strikes GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) - Hundreds of thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes in Gaza City on Monday evening after Israel launched a massive wave of strikes, targeting the city's tallest residential building and other areas. According to eyewitnesses, smoke erupted from the Al-Ghafri high-rise, which was destroyed by Israeli bombs. The building, once the tallest in Gaza, now lies in ruins, its occupants forced to flee for their lives. "We are witnessing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis unfolding before our eyes," said Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory. "Israel is using unconventional weapons to forcibly evict Palestinians from Gaza City, leaving them with nowhere to go." The strikes were part of a larger operation by Israel, which has been conducting airstrikes in Gaza for several days. The Israeli military said it was targeting Hamas militants and infrastructure, but critics argue that the attacks are causing disproportionate harm to civilians. Channel 12, an Israeli media source, reported that exceptionally intense air strikes were concentrated in the city's central districts, where many residential buildings and homes were damaged or destroyed. The use of unconventional weapons by Israel has raised concerns among human rights groups and international observers. "These tactics are a clear breach of international law and have no place in modern warfare," said Dr. Amal al-Sharif, a Gaza-based analyst. The current situation in Gaza City is dire, with many residents forced to flee their homes without access to basic necessities like food, water, or shelter. The United Nations has warned of a looming humanitarian crisis, with thousands of people at risk of displacement and starvation. As the situation continues to unfold, international leaders are calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The United States, European Union, and other countries have condemned the Israeli military's actions and urged restraint. The implications of this conflict go beyond the immediate humanitarian crisis. As the world watches, it is clear that the situation in Gaza City will have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and global security. Background: Gaza has been under blockade by Israel since 2007, with limited access to basic necessities like food, water, and medicine. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for years, with periodic outbreaks of violence resulting in significant loss of life and property damage. Additional Perspectives: "This is not just a humanitarian crisis; it's also a strategic one," said Dr. al-Sharif. "The Israeli military's actions will only serve to further destabilize the region and create more problems for Israel itself." "We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution," said a spokesperson for the United Nations. Current Status: As of Tuesday morning, hundreds of thousands of residents remain displaced in Gaza City, with many seeking shelter in nearby refugee camps or temporary housing. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with reports of shortages in food, water, and medicine. The international community is calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations between Israel and Hamas. As the world watches, it remains to be seen how this conflict will unfold and what its long-term consequences will be. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*