Post by : Naveen Mittal

Photo: X / helen44767171

Gaza Families Flee as Israel Strikes Residential Buildings

Continuous Bombings Force Mass Displacement

Gaza City has once again become the target of heavy Israeli airstrikes, leaving destruction, fear, and displacement in its wake. On Monday evening, Israeli forces destroyed the tallest residential building in the city, the Al-Ghafri high-rise. The massive bombing forced thousands of families to flee with whatever little they could carry.

According to local reports, Israel has been targeting residential buildings for weeks, with over 50 multistorey blocks reduced to rubble. The neighbourhood of Zeitoun alone has seen more than 1,500 homes destroyed since early August, leaving entire communities without shelter.

UN Expert Warns of Forced Evictions

Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territory, said Israel is using unconventional weapons and tactics to push Palestinians out of Gaza City. She warned that these forced evictions could amount to violations of international law.

Israeli Officials Celebrate Strikes

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz celebrated the bombings by posting videos online. Referring to the Al-Ghafri tower, he called it a “terror tower” but provided no evidence that it was linked to Hamas. This celebration has sparked outrage, as the building housed families who are now left homeless.

Civilian Death Toll Rises

Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that 51 Palestinians, including six-year-old twins, were killed in Gaza City in the last 24 hours. The violence has also claimed the lives of three journalists: Mohammed al-Kouifi, Ayman Haniyeh, and Iman al-Zamili. These deaths add to the grim toll of nearly 280 journalists killed since the war began—making it the deadliest conflict for media workers.

Since October 2023, at least 64,905 Palestinians have been killed and 164,926 injured. Many more remain trapped under the rubble of bombed-out buildings.

Striking Every Area of Gaza City

Residents describe a terrifying reality where no place is safe. “For more than three days, they have been hitting every school and every camp. You cannot even move,” said one man as he fled with his wife and daughters. With no tent or proper shelter, his family joined thousands heading towards Khan Younis in the south.

Israel’s declared “safe zone” in al-Mawasi has proven unsafe, with reports of bombings continuing even there. The Health Ministry warned that displaced families in the area lack food, clean water, and medical services. Disease outbreaks are now a serious threat.

Hunger and Blocked Aid

Famine in northern Gaza is worsening. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has declared an official famine, while the UN confirmed that humanitarian aid missions are being blocked. Out of 17 missions planned for Sunday, only four were allowed, and one water delivery mission was denied.

Israeli forces have also been accused of shooting Palestinians who were waiting for food near al-Mawasi. Five people were killed in this attack, according to medical sources.

Voices Calling for Accountability

International voices continue to call for accountability. UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese has stressed that the genocide in Gaza would not be possible without the support of Israel’s allies and private sector partners. She urged governments worldwide to end Israeli impunity and ensure compliance with international law.

Fear of Never Returning Home

Many Palestinians now believe they will never be allowed back to Gaza City. Families who left behind homes, memories, and communities feel uncertain about their future. For those who stayed, the risk of death from bombing, hunger, or disease grows each day.