Israeli Forces Advance in Gaza City Amid Rising Casualties and Communication Blackouts

Israeli Forces Advance in Gaza City Amid Rising Casualties and Communication Blackouts
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Israeli troops and tanks intensified their ground offensive in Gaza City on Wednesday, as communication networks were severed, complicating emergency response efforts, the Associated Press (AP) reported. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a Palestinian death toll surpassing 65,000, with thousands more injured since hostilities began in October 2023.

The Israeli military reported over 150 air and artillery strikes in recent days targeting Gaza City, including the demolition of high-rise towers alleged to be used by Hamas for military purposes. These attacks coincided with the entry of ground forces aiming to gain full control of the city. Meanwhile, phone and internet services were cut off in northern Gaza, severely limiting Palestinians’ ability to request medical assistance or coordinate evacuations.

Hospitals in Gaza have suffered extensive damage, with recent strikes hitting facilities such as Rantisi Hospital for children. Despite evacuations, dozens of patients, including critically ill children, remain trapped in damaged hospitals. Health officials in Gaza reported at least 16 fatalities overnight, including women and children, with many casualties concentrated in famine-stricken Gaza City and refugee camps.

A coalition of aid groups called for stronger political and legal measures to halt the violence, citing a UN commission’s findings that Israel’s actions may constitute genocide—claims Israel denies.

Meanwhile, Hamas political official Ghazi Hamad criticized the United States for siding with Israel during ceasefire discussions, following a recent Israeli strike on Hamas members in Qatar. The Israeli military aims to control most of Gaza City, with estimates of 2,000 to 3,000 militants remaining, who have shifted to guerrilla tactics amid the intensified conflict.