Israeli forces stormed the Shejaia neighbourhood in Gaza City on Thursday, instructing residents to evacuate south as tanks advanced and southern Rafah came under bombardment. The operation is part of Israel’s ongoing offensive against Hamas militants.
Residents of Shejaia reported being caught off guard by the sound of approaching tanks and drone strikes, following overnight bombings.
“It felt like the war was starting again,”
said Mohammad Jamal, a 25-year-old resident, who described the intense series of explosions that shook buildings and destroyed homes.
By Thursday afternoon, the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service confirmed at least seven deaths in Shejaia, with many more feared trapped under rubble. Footage captured chaotic scenes of people fleeing, carrying their belongings and injured children.
An Israeli military spokesperson declined to comment on the casualties. The armed wing of Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for detonating an explosive device against an Israeli tank in the area. Israel, accusing militants of using civilians as shields, urged Shejaia residents to evacuate for their safety.
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The offensive follows more than eight months of conflict triggered by a Hamas-led cross-border attack on October 7. The war has resulted in severe food insecurity, with nearly half a million people facing “catastrophic” conditions, according to aid officials.
In southern Gaza, drone footage showed extensive destruction in Rafah, with the Swedeya village completely obliterated. The situation remains dire as international mediation efforts have yet to secure a ceasefire.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed post-war governance proposals in Washington, emphasizing the need for a long-term solution involving local Palestinians and regional partners. The U.S. has temporarily paused a shipment of heavy munitions to Israel amid concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict has claimed 37,765 lives in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which reports that most victims are civilians. Israel has lost 314 soldiers and asserts that at least a third of the Palestinian casualties are militants.
