Israel Destroys Multiple Gaza Residential Towers, Targeting Hamas Tunnel Network

As Israel escalates its military campaign in Gaza, the destruction of residential high-rises has become a devastating hallmark of the conflict, forcing families into homelessness and erasing much of Gaza City's urban landscape. The 12-story Mushtaha Tower in Gaza City, sheltering multiple displaced families, was recently bombed with only 30 minutes given for evacuation, underscoring the acute humanitarian crisis faced by civilians. This targeting of high-rise buildings, which have been rapidly constructed over the past two decades to address population density and housing shortages under blockade, reflects a broader strategy to dismantle Gaza's infrastructure amid ongoing hostilities. Concurrently, the Israel Defense Forces completed a months-long operation in Khan Yunis aimed at destroying Hamas tunnel networks and terror infrastructure, killing hundreds of militants including those involved in the October 7, 2023 attacks. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump's administration publicly criticized an Israeli strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar, expressing regret over the attack on sovereign Qatari territory and emphasizing U.S. efforts to prevent recurrence, while still affirming the goal of eliminating Hamas. These developments highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of the conflict, which combines intense military operations with diplomatic tensions involving regional allies.