Israel Launches Heavy Strikes On Gaza City After Getting Approval To Start New Offensive

Israel has conducted extensive air and artillery attacks on Gaza City following the defense ministry’s approval of a broadened military operation aimed at Hamas strongholds, according to residents and officials on Thursday.

The new strategy permits the mobilization of approximately 60,000 reservists, sparking fears of an intensifying humanitarian crisis in the conflict-ravaged region.

“We have begun preliminary actions, and IDF troops are now holding the outskirts of Gaza City,” the Israeli military said in a statement.

Israel unleashes intense bombardment on Gaza City after receiving authorization to launch a new offensive.

Residents reported a night filled with relentless shelling, with explosions causing buildings to tremble throughout the city.

“The house shakes all night long — the sound of explosions, warplanes, ambulances, and cries for help is killing us,” said Ahmad al-Shanti, a resident of northern Gaza.

Civil defense authorities stated that the strikes hit areas in the northwest and southeast of Gaza City, displacing additional residents and demolishing homes.

The escalation occurs as mediators from Qatar and Egypt, supported by the United States, await Israel’s response to a ceasefire proposal that Hamas has already accepted.

The plan reportedly involves the release of 10 hostages and 18 bodies from Gaza, with further talks planned to pursue a broader agreement and the release of remaining captives.

Qatar said the proposal was “almost identical” to a version Israel previously approved, while Cairo stated the “ball is now in Israel’s court.”

Hamas denounced Israel’s decision to expand its offensive, describing it as a “blatant disregard” for ongoing ceasefire efforts.

Since the conflict erupted with Hamas’s October 2023 attack that killed 1,219 people in Israel, the Israeli offensive has resulted in at least 62,122 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities.

Due to media restrictions and access challenges, independent verification of casualty figures remains limited.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli