Israeli Military Storms Gaza City Neighborhood, Intensifies Assault on Hamas Militants

In a fierce escalation of hostilities, Israeli forces stormed the Shejaia neighborhood of Gaza City on Thursday, ordering residents to move south as tanks rolled in and airstrikes bombarded the southern city of Rafah. The Israeli military stated that these actions are part of the final stages of their operation against Hamas militants.

Residents of Shejaia reported being taken by surprise by the sudden incursion. "It sounded as if the war is restarting, a series of bombings that destroyed several houses in our area and shook the buildings," Mohammad Jamal, a 25-year-old resident, told Reuters. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service confirmed that at least seven people were killed in Shejaia, with more casualties feared beneath the rubble.

Footage obtained by Reuters showed scenes of chaos as men, women, and children fled through the streets, carrying bags and injured loved ones. "This is the [Israeli] occupation targeting us, as you can see. You can see the children, the targeting of children here," one man said, cradling a bleeding boy.

An Israeli military spokesperson declined to comment on the casualties in Shejaia. Meanwhile, Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas, claimed responsibility for detonating an explosive device against an Israeli tank in the area.

The Israeli military has accused Hamas of using civilians as shields, urging residents to evacuate to designated humanitarian zones. However, many residents reported that the tanks had already moved in before these warnings were issued, forcing people to flee under fire.

Eight months into Israel's war on Gaza, triggered by a Hamas-led cross-border attack on October 7, the enclave faces severe humanitarian crises. Aid officials warn of looming famine, with nearly half a million people at risk of "catastrophic" food insecurity. "We are being starved in Gaza City, and are being hunted by tanks and planes with no hope that this war is ever ending," said Jamal.

In a tragic indication of the crisis, the death of another child from malnutrition and dehydration raised the toll to at least 31, according to Gaza health officials. Israel denies creating famine conditions, blaming distribution issues on aid agencies and accusing Hamas of diverting supplies, claims that Hamas denies.

Drone footage shared on social media showed widespread destruction in Rafah, with entire villages flattened. Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed future governance of post-war Gaza, suggesting involvement of local Palestinians, regional partners, and the U.S., though he acknowledged the complexity of the process.

U.S. officials in Washington have paused a shipment of heavy munitions to Israel, concerned about further civilian casualties. International efforts for a ceasefire have yet to succeed, with Hamas demanding an end to the war and Israel insisting on temporary pauses until Hamas is eradicated.

The conflict, which began with a brutal Hamas-led attack on southern Israel killing around 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages, has so far claimed 37,765 Palestinian lives, according to the Gaza health ministry. Most of the casualties are reported to be civilians, though Israel claims a significant number of militants have been killed. Israel has lost 314 soldiers in the conflict.