Israeli tanks were seen in two Gaza City areas that are gateways to the city center, residents said on Thursday, while internet and phone lines were cut off across the Gaza Strip, a sign that ground operations were likely to escalate imminently.Israeli forces control Gaza City’s eastern suburbs and in recent days have been pounding the Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa areas, from where they would be positioned to advance on central and western areas where most of the population is sheltering.
“the disconnection of internet and phone services is a bad omen. It has always been a bad signal something very brutal is going to happen,” said Ismail, who only gave one name. He was using an eSIM to connect his phone,a risky method as it requires seeking higher ground to receive a signal.
At least 79 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes or gunfire across the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, most in Gaza City, the territory’s health ministry said early afternoon on Thursday.The Palestinian Telecommunications Company said in a statement that its services had been cut off “due to the ongoing aggression and the targeting of the main network routes”.The Israeli army did not respond to a request for comment on the blackout.
In its latest statement to media,it said troops were expanding their operations in Gaza City,dismantling what it called “terror infrastructure” and “eliminating terrorists”,and continuing to operate in khan Younis and Rafah in the south.
Israel says it wants to smash the Palestinian militant group Hamas in its strongholds and free the last hostages still being held in Gaza, but its latest major offensive after two years of devastating war has drawn international condemnation.
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have fled Gaza City since Israel announced on August 10th it intended to take control, but a greater number are staying put, either in battered homes among the ruins or in makeshift tent encampments.
Bassam Al-Qanou,a displaced man sheltering with around 30 family members in a ragged improvised tent camp on the beach,said they had no way to get out,and nowhere to go.
“We are scared, but what can we do?” he said, adding that the children couldn’t sleep as of fear and the incessant boom of missile strikes from sea, air and ground.
Intense Fighting and Mass Displacement Reported in Gaza City
Intense fighting continues in Gaza City as Israeli forces advance, leading to widespread displacement of Palestinian civilians. Reports indicate heavy bombardment and the presence of Israeli tanks in residential neighborhoods.
According to reports from residents, the sheikh Radwan neighborhood, north of Gaza City, has experienced heavy bombardment and the presence of Israeli tanks. residents also reported that Israeli forces detonated four driverless vehicles packed with explosives, causing significant damage to homes. Similar explosions were reported in Tel Al-Hawa, southeast of the city centre, with residents also observing tanks in the streets. The Israeli army has not commented on the deployment of its forces.
A massive exodus is underway,with a continuous stream of vehicles laden with belongings moving south along the coastal road. “We are heading to go sleep on the streets towards the beach,like this barefoot,we don’t know where to go,” said Yasser Saleh,a resident leaving the area,as reported by Reuters.
Israel maintains that Hamas is responsible for the continuation of the conflict,stating the group could end the fighting by surrendering,disarming,and disbanding.
The Gaza health authorities report that the total Palestinian death toll since the start of the conflict on October 7th, 2023, has surpassed 65,000. This conflict was triggered by Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel,which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 hostages,according to Israeli figures.
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-2024-09-18/
https://www.irishtimes.com/world/middle-east/2024/0918/israel-hamas-war-tanks-seen-in-gaza-city-as-residents-flee/