Israel Intensifies Bombing of Gaza as Casualties Mount
Israel’s military has dramatically escalated its bombing campaign in Gaza, according to the country's top army spokesperson on Friday evening.
“Ground forces are expanding their operations tonight, in addition to the attacks carried out in recent days,” spokesperson Daniel Hagari announced, heightening expectations of a potential ground invasion.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s health sector is collapsing. The Palestinian Red Crescent has lost all contact with teams inside due to Israel severing communications.
Locals Describe Unprecedented Onslaught
According to reporters in Gaza, the coastal enclave is facing an unprecedented barrage of Israeli airstrikes. Al Mayadeen’s Gaza correspondent depicts “violent and unprecedented” bombardments as internet and phones are cut territory-wide.
Footage shows Gaza's sky lit up by endless munitions as smoke plumes dot the blackened horizon. The scale of air assault appears to be intensifying sharply.
Aid Reaching Gazans Not Diverted: UN Agency
Amidst allegations, the UN refugee agency UNRWA asserts aid entering Gaza does not get diverted by Gaza's rulers.
“We have solid monitoring mechanisms. UNRWA provides assistance directly to people in need,” Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini explained at a press conference.
Lazzarini noted the lack of fuel is drastically limiting UN operations. He reiterated the majority affected by the blockade are women and children, using food, water and power as weapons against civilians.
Hamas Claims IDF Hostages, Demands Ceasefire
A Hamas delegation member in Moscow told Russian media the group is holding “dozens” of civilian hostages seized during an operation inside Israel.
He stated Hamas needs time to locate the hostages within Gaza before releasing them in exchange for a ceasefire.
Senior Hamas Intelligence Official Killed
Shadi Barud, Deputy Head of Hamas’ intelligence unit, was assassinated in an Israeli strike, the IDF confirmed.
His killing represents a significant blow to the organization's senior leadership.
Casualty Count May Exceed 7,000
Gaza’s Health Ministry published a detailed list of all those killed so far, providing names, ages and IDs in a report on Wednesday.
This came after skepticism expressed by US President Joe Biden regarding Gaza casuality figures during a press conference Thursday.
The UN's Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA also provided updated fatality counts in a situation report Thursday.
UN: Act Now Before It's Too Late
In an urgent op-ed, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini states: "Future generations will ask why the world lacked courage to stop this hell on earth."
At the UN General Assembly, Palestinian envoy Riyadh Mansour implored member states to take action immediately to halt the bloodshed.
Contrasting Perspectives on Endgame
In an op-ed, Israeli scholar Assaf Malach argues relocating Gazans and occupying northern Gaza offers a “viable alternative” to the “delusional language of individual rights.”
His view contrasts calls by UN and rights groups urging intervention based on international law to stop the mass casualties.
How the Crisis Unfolded
Tensions erupted after a surprise 7 October attack by Hamas killed over 1,400 Israelis. Israel retaliated with strikes on Gaza it calls counterterrorism.
After three weeks, Palestinian casualties have surpassed 7,000 dead, including nearly 3,000 children, and over 18,000 injured.
The US expressed unabated support for Israel despite the climbing civilian death toll. Meanwhile, Arab states have demanded an urgent ceasefire.
With violence escalating, the world is debating how to respond as Gaza's humanitarian emergency reaches catastrophic levels.
