Israel’s Gaza City Takeover Push Begins with Strike on High-Rise
Israel has launched a fresh phase of its military campaign in Gaza City, striking a prominent high-rise building on Friday as part of its preparation to expand the offensive. The move signals the beginning of what Israeli officials describe as a determined push to take control of the city, a stronghold of Hamas.
Defence Minister Israel Katz, addressing the strike, warned that this was just the start. “When the door opens it will not close,” he said, indicating that Israeli military activity will only intensify in the coming days. His statement follows the large-scale mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists and repeated evacuation warnings to residents.
The Strike on Mushtaha Tower
The targeted building was identified as the Mushtaha tower, situated in Gaza City’s southern Rimal neighborhood. Once an upscale district, the area has been battered by months of conflict. Israel claimed the tower was being used for Hamas surveillance, while residents said the building had also been sheltering families displaced by earlier fighting.
According to local accounts, the strike came without sufficient warning for people to leave. Families had recently flooded into the building and nearby streets after Israeli forces expanded operations around the city. It remains unclear how many casualties were caused, but witnesses described scenes of panic as smoke rose over the neighborhood.
This was not the first time Mushtaha tower had been hit, but it marked the first direct attack since Israel formally announced its plan to capture Gaza City. The timing highlights the seriousness of Israel’s military shift, with the city now officially declared a combat zone.
Life in a Combat Zone
For civilians, the situation has become unbearable. Parts of Gaza City are now marked as “red zones,” areas designated for evacuation before heavy battles begin. Many residents, however, say leaving is simply not possible. Relocating costs thousands of dollars, and the overcrowded southern parts of the Gaza Strip have little space left for newcomers. Families often end up in makeshift tents or crowded shelters with scarce resources.
Others who had fled earlier stages of the war returned to their homes out of desperation, only to find themselves caught once again in the crossfire. Staying feels dangerous, but leaving has become nearly impossible.
Concerns Over Hostages
The military escalation has also ignited protests within Israel itself. Critics worry that the new offensive could put hostages still held in Gaza at greater risk, particularly those believed to be in Gaza City. Current estimates suggest that 48 hostages remain in captivity, with around 20 thought to be alive.
On Friday, Hamas circulated a video featuring two hostages, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel. In the footage, Gilboa-Dalal is seen pleading for the conflict to end and for the chance to return home, words likely spoken under coercion. His reappearance marks the first sighting in months after he was previously seen during a ceasefire period.
The Human Toll
The humanitarian impact of the offensive continues to grow. Hospitals across the enclave reported receiving dozens of bodies in the past 24 hours. Among the dead are women, children, and elderly civilians who had little chance to escape the violence. The rising toll underscores the desperate need for a ceasefire and meaningful dialogue, even as the fighting grinds on.
For now, Israel’s military appears set on pushing deeper into Gaza City, raising fears of even greater destruction. With hostages still in danger, displaced families on the move, and entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, the future of Gaza City hangs in uncertainty.
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