The Israeli military has targeted and destroyed a high-rise block in Gaza City, marking the second major tower to be struck in as many days. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz shared footage of the building's collapse on X, stating, "We're continuing." The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have indicated that the Sussi Tower was allegedly being used by Hamas, a claim that the militant group has denied. As of now, it remains unclear whether there were any casualties resulting from this strike.
Prior to the airstrike on Saturday, the Israeli military dropped leaflets urging Palestinians to relocate to what it refers to as a humanitarian zone in the southern part of Gaza. In a post on social media, IDF Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee encouraged residents to join the thousands who have already moved to al-Mawasi, an area situated between Khan Younis and the coastline. The IDF has consistently advised civilians to evacuate to this location, asserting that medical care, water, and food supplies would be available there.
However, the United Nations has raised concerns about the conditions in al-Mawasi, describing the tent camps as overcrowded and unsafe. Reports indicate that southern hospitals are currently overwhelmed with the influx of displaced persons. Tragically, on Tuesday, five children lost their lives while waiting in line for water in al-Mawasi; witnesses claimed they were struck by an Israeli drone, an incident that the IDF has stated is under review.
The Sussi Tower's destruction follows the recent collapse of the Mushtaha Tower, located in the al-Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City, just a day prior. Footage circulating on social media depicted the building collapsing after a significant explosion at its base. The IDF has stated that precautionary measures were implemented to minimize civilian harm, which included advance warnings and the use of precise munitions. However, local Palestinians have contested this, claiming that displaced families had been seeking shelter in the Mushtaha Tower. Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for Gaza's civil defense agency, accused Israel of pursuing a policy of forced displacement.
Satellite imagery has revealed that several neighborhoods in Gaza City have been substantially damaged due to ongoing Israeli strikes and demolitions over the past month. The high-rise residential and commercial buildings within Gaza City are emblematic of a significant chapter in the region's history, reflecting the aspirations for ending Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state.
The construction of multi-storey buildings, particularly those exceeding five floors, began after the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993. This agreement facilitated the return of tens of thousands of Palestinians from exile to Gaza and parts of the West Bank. Following Israel's withdrawal from most of Gaza in 1994, the need for vertical expansion arose to accommodate the influx of returnees. The Palestinian Authority actively supported large investments in the construction sector, leading to the establishment of entire neighborhoods named after these towers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly declared Israel's intention to seize all of the Gaza Strip following the collapse of indirect talks with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and hostage release in July. The UN has reported that nearly one million people currently remain in Gaza City, where it declared a state of famine last month. The organization has warned of an impending disaster if the military assault continues.
The ongoing military campaign by the Israeli forces in Gaza is a direct response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 individuals taken hostage. According to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, the conflict has led to at least 63,746 deaths in Israeli attacks since that date. The ministry further reports that 367 individuals have perished from malnutrition and starvation during the ongoing war.
Additional reporting for this situation has been provided by Ruth Comerford.
