The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has urged Palestinians to evacuate Gaza City, relocating to what it calls a humanitarian zone in the south as it continues its military offensive in the territory.
On Saturday, for a second day running, the Israeli military destroyed a high-rise block, the Sussi Tower, in the enclave's largest urban area. Defence Minister Israel Katz posted video of the building collapsing on X, captioned We're continuing. It was not immediately clear whether there were any casualties.
Israel said the tower was being used by Hamas, and that its military had taken measures to mitigate harm to civilians. Hamas denies it was using the tower. It comes as Israel expands its military operation in Gaza.
Ahead of the attack on Sussi Tower, the Israeli air force had dropped leaflets ordering residents to leave. In a social media post, IDF Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee urged them to join the thousands of people who have already gone to al-Mawasi - an area between Khan Younis and the coastline in the south of the Gaza Strip.
The IDF has repeatedly encouraged civilians to move there, saying medical care, water and food will be provided. However, the UN has said the tent camps in al-Mawasi are overcrowded and unsafe, and that southern hospitals are overwhelmed.
The Sussi Tower is the second high-rise to be destroyed in as many days. Previously, the Mushtaha Tower in al-Rimal neighbourhood also collapsed after a massive explosion at its base. The IDF has stated precautionary measures were taken, including advance warnings to the population and the use of precise munitions.
With nearly one million people remaining in Gaza City, the UN has declared a famine and warns of an imminent disaster if the assault continues. The conflict escalated following a deadly attack by Hamas on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, resulting in a significant military response by Israel. The humanitarian crisis grows as casualties mount and conditions worsen for civilians.
On Saturday, for a second day running, the Israeli military destroyed a high-rise block, the Sussi Tower, in the enclave's largest urban area. Defence Minister Israel Katz posted video of the building collapsing on X, captioned We're continuing. It was not immediately clear whether there were any casualties.
Israel said the tower was being used by Hamas, and that its military had taken measures to mitigate harm to civilians. Hamas denies it was using the tower. It comes as Israel expands its military operation in Gaza.
Ahead of the attack on Sussi Tower, the Israeli air force had dropped leaflets ordering residents to leave. In a social media post, IDF Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee urged them to join the thousands of people who have already gone to al-Mawasi - an area between Khan Younis and the coastline in the south of the Gaza Strip.
The IDF has repeatedly encouraged civilians to move there, saying medical care, water and food will be provided. However, the UN has said the tent camps in al-Mawasi are overcrowded and unsafe, and that southern hospitals are overwhelmed.
The Sussi Tower is the second high-rise to be destroyed in as many days. Previously, the Mushtaha Tower in al-Rimal neighbourhood also collapsed after a massive explosion at its base. The IDF has stated precautionary measures were taken, including advance warnings to the population and the use of precise munitions.
With nearly one million people remaining in Gaza City, the UN has declared a famine and warns of an imminent disaster if the assault continues. The conflict escalated following a deadly attack by Hamas on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, resulting in a significant military response by Israel. The humanitarian crisis grows as casualties mount and conditions worsen for civilians.
