"We have taken control of about 40% of Gaza City. The Israeli military will expand and intensify offensive operations in the coming days, increasing pressure on Hamas until the group is defeated," Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Effie Defrin said on 4/9.
Brigadier General Defrin affirmed that the IDF is continuing its plan to gain complete control of Gaza City and is approaching the 50% mark.
 |
Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City on 4/9. Photo: AFP |
Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City on 4/9. Photo: AFP
Gaza's civil defense agency reported that an Israeli airstrike on 4/9 hit a family's tent in Gaza City, killing five people, including three children.
The IDF later announced they targeted a Hamas member in the strike, adding that they "regret any harm caused to uninvolved civilians."
A senior Israeli defense official revealed on 3/9 that the government estimates the new campaign will displace about one million people from Gaza City southward. The IDF has intensified its bombardment of the Gaza City area in recent days, despite mounting international pressure to halt the offensive.
On 29/8, the IDF declared Gaza City a "dangerous combat zone" and stated that the local ceasefire no longer applies to the area. The Israeli military previously suspended military operations in some areas of the Gaza Strip at midday each day to facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid.
 |
Location of Gaza City. Graphic: BBC |
Location of Gaza City. Graphic: BBC
Gaza City is the largest city in the Gaza Strip. The United Nations estimates that over one million people live in the Gaza Governorate, which includes Gaza City and surrounding areas in the north of the strip. The IDF describes it as a "Hamas stronghold."
The Hamas attack on southern Israel on 7/10/2023 killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians. Of the 251 hostages taken, 47 are still held in Gaza, with about 20 believed to be alive. Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed over 64,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Gaza health officials.
Nguyen Tien (AFP, AP, Times of Israel)
