Israel Escalates Gaza Offensive, Strikes High-Rise Building Amid Famine and Rising Death Toll

Palestinian Health officials reported at least 27 people killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza City, including six members of a single family, as the military stepped up operations aimed at seizing control of the famine-stricken city. Israel's military accused Hamas militants of using high-rises for surveillance and planned ambushes, and said it would carry out "precise, targeted strikes" on militant infrastructure. The offensive has sparked opposition domestically and condemnation abroad.

Key Takeaways:

• Israel struck a high-rise building in Gaza City after an evacuation warning, as the military stepped up operations aimed at seizing control of the famine-stricken city.
• Strikes elsewhere in Gaza City killed at least 27 people, according to health officials, including six members of a single family.
• The Israeli military accused Hamas militants of using high-rises in the city for surveillance and planned ambushes.
• Israel has begun mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists and is repeating evacuation warnings as part of its plan to widen its offensive.
• Palestinians said Friday's strike targeted the Mushtaha tower in Rimal, an upscale neighborhood before the war, which had already been heavily damaged from earlier raids.
• The city of Gaza City has been declared a combat zone by Israel, with parts of the city considered "red zones" where Palestinians have been ordered to evacuate.
• The war has already displaced around 90 percent of the territory's population, with over 64,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

Statistics:

• 27 people were killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza City, according to health officials.
• 6 members of a single family were killed in the strikes.
• 48 hostages are still being held in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive.
• 90 percent of the territory's population has been displaced by the war so far.
• Over 64,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's retaliatory offensive, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
• The conflict has been ongoing since October 7, 2023, with Hamas-led militants killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251 people in their attack on southern Israel.

Sources:

• Palestinian Health officials
• Israeli military spokesperson
• "Hamas video shows hostages in Gaza City" by Associated Press
• "Israeli settlers attack Palestinians in occupied West Bank" by Associated Press
• Al Jazeera
• The New York Times