Israel Intensifies Military Actions in Gaza City, Striking High-Rise Building

Deir al-Balah (Gaza Strip), Sep 5 (AP) Israel launched an attack on a high-rise building on Friday as part of an intensified military operation to take control of Gaza City. Defense Minister Israel Katz declared the assault on the building a preliminary action, noting, "When the door opens, it will not close," as the military activity intensifies. His remarks follow Israel's mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists, alongside repeated evacuation warnings, as it aims to broaden its offensive in Gaza City and other Hamas strongholds. This plan has attracted domestic opposition and international condemnation. Palestinian sources reported that Friday's strike targeted the Mushtaha tower in Gaza City, situated in the southern sector of the former upscale Rimal neighborhood. The structure had previously been attacked, and photos before the latest strike showed its roof severely damaged. Israel stated that the building was targeted due to its use by Hamas for surveillance activities. Gaza City, in the north of the territory, has been officially declared a combat zone by Israel. Parts are already designated as "red zones," where Palestinians have been ordered to evacuate in anticipation of intense fighting. This situation has placed residents in a state of anxiety, especially those who returned after initially fleeing the city at the war's onset. The costs of relocating are high, and finding room in the crowded south feels impossible. However, many fear staying could be deadly. This marks the first attack on the Mushtaha tower since Israel announced its operation to seize Gaza City several weeks ago. Ahmed al-Boari, a resident of Gaza City, mentioned that displaced families had recently flooded the building and its surroundings since Israel's operations began. He reported that the army provided no time for evacuation prior to the strike. The number of casualties remains uncertain. Concerns about hostages have stirred protests among the Israeli public, fearing the new offensive could jeopardize hostages still held in Gaza. Among the 48 hostages, 20 are believed to be alive. Hamas released a propaganda video on Friday, showcasing two hostages in Gaza City, with Guy Gilboa-Dalal seen in a vehicle, later joined by another hostage, Alon Ohel. Gilboa-Dalal is seen speaking, presumably under duress, pleading for the conflict's end and their return to their families. Previously, Gilboa-Dalal appeared in a video over six months ago with another hostage, Evyatar David, observing the release of other hostages during a ceasefire. Despite ongoing hostage concerns, Israel proceeds with its military actions across Gaza. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported that 69 bodies were received by hospitals in the region over the last 24 hours. On October 7, 2023, Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and abducted 251 individuals during their assault on southern Israel. Most have been released through ceasefires or agreements. Israel's retaliatory actions have resulted in over 64,000 Palestinian deaths during the nearly two-year conflict. (AP) SCY SCY

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