Israel advances in Gaza: 1,800 buildings destroyed, 250,000 people evacuated

The army intensifies its offensive on Gaza City. Raids on UNRWA schools, new attacks by the Houthis against Tel Aviv

The Israeli offensive on Gaza continues to grow in intensity. According to satellite images released by CNN, more than 1,800 buildings have been destroyed or severely damaged since the start of the operation announced in early August to conquer Gaza City. The photos, taken on 5 September by Planet Labs, show systematic demolitions in the Zeitoun neighbourhood and other areas, with the army advancing neighbourhood by neighbourhood using bulldozers and excavators, not just bombing.

Between 9 and 17 August, the IDF also struck Al-Tuffah, where thousands of displaced persons had taken refuge, while in Jabalya more than 750 buildings have been razed to the ground. Last Tuesday, Israel ordered all civilians to leave Gaza City: according to military spokesman Avichay Adraee, more than 250,000 people have already left the area, invited to head for the “humanitarian zones” of Al-Mawasi and the refugee camps in the south.

IDF operations have caused at least 11 Palestinian casualties today alone, Al Jazeera reports, citing medical sources. Four people queuing for aid were reportedly killed in the central Gaza Strip. Two UNRWA-run schools, which had been turned into shelters, were bombed in the Shati camp, a few hours after the evacuation order.

Tension has also spread outside the Strip. During the night, Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Tel Aviv, saying they had used a cluster warhead. The Israeli army announced that it had intercepted the missile without causing casualties or damage, but sirens sounded throughout the metropolitan area.

On the diplomatic front, details are emerging about the operation that targeted Hamas leaders in Doha on Tuesday. According to the Washington Post, Mossad had expressed reservations about an assassination plan in Qatar, fearing repercussions on negotiations for the release of hostages. The attack was nevertheless carried out by the Israeli air force with eight F-15s and four F-35s, operating from the Red Sea without entering the airspace of neighbouring Arab countries.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)