Tensions in the Gaza Strip have surged to new levels as Israeli forces press deeper into Gaza City, triggering mass displacement and drawing further global condemnation.
Israeli troops are reportedly mobilising near the heart of Gaza City, with entire neighbourhoods being razed by coordinated assaults involving drone strikes, fighter jets, and remote-controlled robotic explosives. Eyewitnesses from the ground describe a relentless bombardment campaign, with residential areas transformed into rubble within hours.
"We haven't slept in days. The skies are never quiet. There’s nowhere safe," one resident told Al Jazeera via voice message, their words drowned out by distant explosions.
The humanitarian toll continues to mount. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 65,141 Palestinians have been killed and 165,925 injured since the war began in October 2023. Thousands more are feared buried beneath collapsed buildings, unreachable due to ongoing fighting and severe restrictions on aid access.
The conflict has drawn sharp criticism from the international community. On Thursday, the UN Security Council voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution demanding an "immediate, unconditional and permanent" ceasefire. However, the United States — a key Israeli ally — vetoed the resolution, blocking its adoption despite support from 14 of the 15 council members.
This latest U.S. veto has intensified global outrage, with human rights organizations warning of possible war crimes and demanding international accountability. Aid agencies have also sounded the alarm over Gaza’s collapsing infrastructure, warning that water, electricity, and medical services are at the brink of total failure.
Despite the global outcry, Israel maintains that its operations are aimed at dismantling Hamas and ensuring long-term security. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the offensive until all objectives are met.
The latest escalation comes amid ongoing military operations that have devastated large parts of the territory and left tens of thousands of civilians fleeing for safety.
