GAZA CITY, Sept 21 — Heavy bombardments and ground operations continued in Gaza City on Sunday as Israeli forces pressed their largest assault in weeks, leaving at least 60 Palestinians dead, according to local health officials.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed its troops had pushed deeper into northern Gaza, targeting what it described as “Hamas strongholds” and “militant infrastructure.” Palestinian authorities, however, said the strikes also hit residential areas, compounding the suffering of civilians already displaced by months of fighting.
Background and Escalation
The latest surge comes after weeks of tension and sporadic clashes. Israel maintains that Hamas continues to operate inside Gaza City, using tunnels and civilian structures as cover. The United Nations has repeatedly warned that urban offensives risk catastrophic civilian casualties in the densely populated enclave.
Voices From Both Sides
An IDF spokesperson stated:
“Our operations in Gaza City are focused on dismantling Hamas’ terror infrastructure. We are taking measures to minimize harm to civilians, but Hamas embeds itself among non-combatants.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Youssef Abu Rish, a senior official at Gaza’s Health Ministry, said:
“The majority of those killed in the past 24 hours are women and children. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and ambulances cannot safely reach bombed neighborhoods.”
International reactions have also been swift. The European Union called for “urgent restraint” while the United States reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself but urged protection of civilian lives.
Next Steps
Humanitarian groups are pressing for a ceasefire corridor to allow medical evacuations and delivery of aid. Analysts warn that if the assault continues, civilian death tolls will rise sharply, risking broader regional escalation and intensifying calls for international intervention.
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