Israel Kills 30 Palestinians, Pushes Ahead With Gaza City Seizure Plan
At least 30 Palestinians were killed across Gaza on Friday as Israeli forces intensified their assault on Gaza City, where the most intense bombardments since dawn left 25 people dead, medical sources told Al Jazeera. The casualties highlight the escalating civilian toll of Israel’s campaign as it finalises plans to seize the Strip’s largest urban centre.
Hamas Accuses Netanyahu of Ignoring Ceasefire Efforts
Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of disregarding mediation efforts by international actors to reach a ceasefire, claiming that Israel is determined to impose a military occupation of Gaza City. The group said the continued bombardment demonstrated that Tel Aviv is “not serious about peace” and is instead pursuing total control of the enclave.
Humanitarian Concerns Mount
Gaza City, once home to more than half a million residents, has become the focal point of Israel’s offensive. Large sections of the city are already in ruins, with hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced or trapped without reliable access to food, water, or medical care. Aid agencies have warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis, citing shortages of essential supplies and the risk of mass casualties if Israel proceeds with a ground takeover.
International organisations, including the United Nations and Amnesty International, have repeatedly urged Israel to ensure the protection of civilians. Amnesty has accused Israel of pursuing a “deliberate campaign of starvation and forced displacement” in Gaza, claims that Israeli officials deny, insisting their operations are aimed at dismantling Hamas’s military infrastructure.
Netanyahu’s Stance
Netanyahu has defended the Gaza City operation as necessary for Israel’s security, arguing that Hamas uses civilian areas to launch attacks and that the militant group must be “rooted out.” He maintains that military pressure is the only way to ensure Hamas complies with any future ceasefire terms.
Regional and Global Reactions
The latest escalation comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity. Egypt and Qatar have been mediating indirect talks between Hamas and Israel, with backing from the United States. However, progress has stalled as both sides trade blame for the breakdown in negotiations.
Washington has reiterated calls for restraint, with US officials expressing concern over the growing civilian toll but stopping short of publicly condemning Israel’s offensive. Meanwhile, protests have erupted in several capitals across the Middle East, with demonstrators denouncing what they describe as Western complicity in the crisis.
Looking Ahead
With Israel finalising plans to capture Gaza City and Hamas vowing continued resistance, the conflict appears poised to escalate further. Analysts warn that a full-scale military occupation of Gaza’s largest city could trigger mass displacement and worsen an already dire humanitarian situation.
