Israeli Forces Begin Intensive Operation in Gaza City
The Israeli military has launched a large-scale offensive in Gaza City, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirming what he described as an "intensive operation" against Hamas infrastructure. The announcement came as Netanyahu appeared in court for his corruption trial, requesting postponement due to "important things happening."
Civilian Casualties Mount
Medical sources report at least 38 Palestinians killed overnight by gunfire and shelling across the Gaza Strip, with an additional 24 fatalities from airstrikes. Most victims are reported to be women and children, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa.
The Israeli military declared Gaza City a "dangerous combat zone" and ordered civilians to evacuate immediately to designated humanitarian zones in southern Gaza. However, these so-called safe zones have been repeatedly criticized by UN officials for lacking proper infrastructure and safety guarantees.
UN Commission Finds Evidence of Genocide
In a significant development, a UN commission investigating violence in Israel and occupied Palestinian territories concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The findings, based on Israeli leaders' statements and actions, indicate intentional destruction of the Palestinian people.
"Israel says it attacked this building because of suspicious activities. But since the beginning of this war, only civilians have lived here. Nobody with political connections," an elderly Palestinian man told Al Jazeera after the destruction of the al-Ghafri tower, Gaza's highest residential building.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The ongoing offensive has exacerbated what UN officials describe as one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history. Nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been displaced, with widespread destruction of homes, hospitals, and essential infrastructure.
Israeli Ambassador to the UN immediately dismissed the genocide report as "slanderous" and a "one-sided attack on Israel." The United States continues to provide military and diplomatic support to Israel, with Senator Marco Rubio recently reaffirming unwavering backing for Israel's Gaza policy.
According to Wikipedia, the conflict has resulted in over 93,000 Palestinian deaths from traumatic injuries by May 2025, with the current offensive on Gaza City beginning in August 2025.