Israel Intensifies Gaza City Offensive as U.S. Pushes Ceasefire Talks

Israeli forces destroyed over 30 residential buildings in Gaza City, forcing thousands to flee, according to Palestinian officials. Israel has declared plans to seize the city, where nearly a million Palestinians are sheltering, as part of its mission to eliminate Hamas. The military confirmed five waves of airstrikes in the past week, hitting more than 500 targets, including tunnels and weapons depots. Local officials said at least 45 people were killed Sunday, while Hamas reported over 1,600 homes and 13,000 tents destroyed since August.

The offensive comes as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in the region to discuss a ceasefire and hostage release. Only 20 of the 48 hostages held by Hamas are believed alive. Rubio also visited Jerusalem’s Western Wall, reaffirming U.S. recognition of the city as Israel’s capital. Washington expressed concern over Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, calling it a unilateral escalation. Qatar, a key U.S. ally, will host an emergency Arab-Islamic summit Monday to address the crisis.

Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza are worsening. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said 10 of the agency’s buildings were hit in recent days, while its only clinic north of Wadi Gaza has shut down. Water and sanitation services are at half capacity. Gaza’s health ministry reported 422 deaths from starvation and malnutrition since the conflict escalated, including 145 children. Aid agencies warn that an Israeli takeover of Gaza City could trigger catastrophic consequences for civilians already struggling with food shortages.

Israel’s nearly two-year campaign against Hamas has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, according to local authorities, following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack that killed 1,200 people in Israel and led to 251 hostages being taken.