Israeli military demolishes tall building in Gaza City assault

In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the past week has seen a series of significant events unfold in Gaza City.

On Friday, the Israeli military carried out a strike on a high-rise building in the Al-Rimal neighbourhood, a densely populated area of the city. The targeted building was identified as being used by Hamas, according to the Israeli military. The United Nations estimates that nearly one million people live in Gaza City and its surroundings, raising concerns about potential civilian casualties.

The destruction of the high-rise building resulted in at least 19 reported deaths, according to the Gaza civil defense agency. The World Health Organization chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has urged Israel to stop the "catastrophe" of people starving to death in Gaza, as the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reports that more than 370 people have died from malnutrition since the war began.

Hamas's armed wing released footage purporting to show two hostages seized in an attack alive in Gaza City. The video shows hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal calling on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to carry out the planned offensive on Gaza City. The prime minister's office confirmed that Netanyahu had spoken with the families of both hostages.

The Israeli military could not comment on the reported deaths, but it stated that it would target tall buildings identified as being used by Hamas in the coming days. This decision has been met with criticism from the European Union, with Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot stating that the EU is "not living up to its responsibilities in this enormous humanitarian crisis."

Defense Minister Israel Katz, however, has vowed to intensify operations until Hamas accepts Israel's terms to end the war, stating that "the bolt has now been removed from the gates of hell in Gaza."

In the midst of these events, a displaced Palestinian, Arej Ahmed, stated that residents of the Mushtaha Tower evacuated before the strike. The Mushtaha Tower collapsed after a massive explosion at its base, with the video footage showing no signs of residents inside during the explosion.

The Israeli military identified the Mushtaha Tower as a building used by Hamas, but the exact nature of its use remains unclear. Media restrictions and difficulties in accessing areas make it difficult to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defense agency or the Israeli military.

As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with the United Nations, World Health Organization, and international community calling for an end to the violence and a focus on addressing the pressing needs of the civilians affected by the conflict.