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.
Ahead of the attack on Sussi Tower, the Israeli air force had dropped leaflets ordering residents to leave.
The IDF has repeatedly encouraged civilians to move to the al-Mawasi area, saying medical care, water, and food would be provided. However, the UN has reported that the tent camps in al-Mawasi are overcrowded and unsafe.
The destruction of high-rises in Gaza City represents not only tragic losses of lives but also the obliteration of cultural history significant to the Palestinian identity. Their high-rise towers symbolize a period of hope for an independent Palestinian state following the Oslo Accords.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement of intentions to seize the Gaza Strip reflects a broader strategy following the breakdown of ceasefire talks with Hamas.
The impact of ongoing military actions, coupled with the humanitarian crisis, poses an imminent threat to nearly one million residents remaining in Gaza City, as international agencies warn of a looming disaster.
