The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on 6/9 that it had targeted a high-rise building in Gaza City, alleging that Hamas was using the structure to "monitor" Israeli soldiers. The IDF emphasized that it had taken measures to minimize civilian casualties.

Witnesses identified the target as the Sussi residential tower. A video released by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz showed the 15-story building collapsing into a cloud of dust and debris after the IDF strike.

Hamas condemned the attack, denying the use of civilian structures for military purposes.

The IDF has declared its intention to target buildings used by Hamas, particularly high-rise structures. On 5/9, the IDF also struck the Mushtaha Tower in Gaza City's Al-Rimal neighborhood, causing it to collapse.

IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee previously urged Gaza City residents to relocate to Al-Mawasi, a site bordering the Mediterranean Sea in southern Gaza. The IDF said it would provide humanitarian aid and medical care there.

"Take advantage of this opportunity to move early to the humanitarian area along with thousands of others," Adraee wrote on social media.

Witnesses and reporters on 6/9 saw Israeli aircraft dropping thousands of leaflets over residential areas in western Gaza City, urging residents to evacuate.

Israel initially declared Al-Mawasi a safe zone in the early stages of the conflict, but has since carried out several strikes in the area, claiming to be targeting Hamas.

Some Gaza City residents believe that staying or leaving makes little difference. "Many say we should evacuate, others say we should stay. But there are bombs and deaths throughout the Gaza Strip," said resident Abdel Nasser Mushtaha, highlighting the strikes on Al-Mawasi.

Location of Gaza City. Graphic: AFP

For weeks, the IDF has warned of a new offensive targeting Gaza City, the largest city in the territory, but has not provided a specific timeframe. The IDF has been intensifying airstrikes and conducting ground operations on the city's outskirts, raising concerns about a worsening humanitarian situation.

Mahmud Bassal, a spokesperson for the civil defense agency in the Gaza Strip, reported that 55 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire on 6/9, including 18 near an aid distribution center in the north of the territory.

When asked for comment by AFP, the IDF requested the specific time and coordinates of the targeted locations to review the information.

Pham Giang (According to AFP, AP)