Israeli Airstrikes Flatten Gaza High-Rises, Kill 53 Amid Mass Displacement

Israeli forces have intensified their airstrikes across Gaza City, targeting residential buildings, refugee camps, and schools, resulting in significant civilian casualties and displacement. Multiple high-rise towers, including the al-Kawthar, Mahna, Harmony, and al-Munawwarah City buildings, were destroyed, with Israel claiming these structures housed Hamas surveillance and military operations, though residents and a UN report dispute such claims. The bombardments have forced over 300,000 Palestinians to flee Gaza City amid warnings of a large-scale Israeli offensive, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis marked by famine and lack of basic necessities such as water and shelter. Refugee camps like al-Shati have been heavily bombarded, flattening homes and shelters for internally displaced Palestinians, while hospitals face strain from casualties. Gaza’s Ministry of Health and aid workers report ongoing civilian deaths, including children, starvation-related fatalities, and destruction of critical infrastructure, exacerbating fears of further displacement and suffering. Despite evacuation warnings, many residents have had insufficient time to evacuate safely, highlighting the severe challenges faced by Gaza’s civilian population amid escalating conflict.