Israeli military forces pushed deeper into Gaza City on Wednesday, advancing with tanks and soldiers into the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood. The area is one of the city’s most densely populated districts, home to thousands of displaced Palestinians.
Residents reported that houses and makeshift tent camps, which had been sheltering families forced from other areas, were set on fire. Witnesses described the destruction as widespread, with homes collapsing and tents engulfed in flames.
Civilian Deaths Reported
Local health officials confirmed that at least 24 Palestinians were killed across Gaza on Wednesday. Many of the victims were children. Most of the casualties occurred in Gaza City, which has become the center of the current offensive.
“Sheikh Radwan is being burnt upside-down,” said one resident. “The occupation destroyed houses, burnt tents, and drones told us to leave.”
The resident added that those still alive fear they will die if the military captures the city.
Schools and Clinics Targeted
Witnesses reported that grenades were dropped on three schools in Sheikh Radwan that had been used to shelter displaced families. The attack set tents ablaze, though many residents managed to flee beforehand.
The military also destroyed homes in the eastern part of the neighborhood by detonating armored vehicles filled with explosives. In addition, a medical clinic was bombed, resulting in the destruction of two ambulances.
Israeli Government’s Position
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to seize Gaza City, calling it the last stronghold of Hamas. He continues to insist that the Palestinian resistance group must surrender or be defeated by force.
In an official statement, the Israeli military vowed to continue operations to “remove any threat” against its state.
Military and Political Tensions
Despite government orders, the Israeli military has warned political leaders that continued assaults could put hostages and soldiers at risk. Officials have suggested pursuing a ceasefire agreement instead of pressing forward with the offensive.
Public opinion inside Israel also reflects growing frustration. Many citizens are calling for an end to the war, particularly in exchange for the release of hostages still held in Gaza.
In Jerusalem, protesters climbed onto the roof of the national library and displayed a banner reading: “You have abandoned and also killed.”
Calls for Ceasefire
Protests are spreading across Israeli cities. Citizens demand that leaders secure the return of soldiers and hostages.
“We need our soldiers back home. We need our hostages back now. It has been too long. Stop the war,” said one protester from Tel Aviv.
Tens of thousands of reservists have recently reported for duty to support the ongoing operations. Many of them are expected to serve in intelligence or non-combat roles, freeing active soldiers for deployment to Gaza.
Humanitarian Impact in Gaza
The assault threatens to displace nearly one million Palestinians, almost half of Gaza’s total population. Families who have already fled multiple times are now refusing to move again despite evacuation orders.
The war, which began in October 2023, has already claimed more than 63,000 Palestinian lives. Health officials say hundreds of children are among the dead.
In addition to airstrikes and ground offensives, Gaza is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis. Food shortages have caused widespread hunger, with 367 people reported dead from malnutrition and starvation, including 131 children.
Israeli officials acknowledge hunger exists but deny that famine or starvation conditions are present.
Hamas Response
Hamas has made several proposals to end the crisis. One offer included releasing some hostages, both living and deceased, in exchange for a temporary ceasefire. Another proposal involved releasing all hostages if Israel ended the war and withdrew its forces.
While these offers remain on the table, Hamas has refused to surrender its weapons, insisting it will continue to resist occupation.
Escalating Crisis
The continued offensive raises fears of further displacement and mass civilian deaths. With homes, schools, clinics, and shelters under attack, families have few safe places to turn.
Human rights groups are urging the international community to intervene, stressing that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening daily. Despite growing pressure, the Israeli leadership has given no indication of halting its campaign.
The Israeli offensive in Gaza has entered one of its deadliest phases, with civilian neighborhoods reduced to rubble. The advance into Sheikh Radwan reflects the scale of the destruction, with 24 more lives lost in a single day.
As the war nears its second year, the humanitarian toll is staggering. Calls for a ceasefire grow louder both internationally and within Israel. Yet, with no resolution in sight, Palestinians continue to suffer under bombardment, displacement, and starvation.
