Israel pounds Gaza City suburbs, Netanyahu to convene security cabinet

Anewz

Israeli forces struck Gaza City’s outskirts overnight with air and ground fire, destroying homes and prompting further civilian displacement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet was scheduled on Sunday to discuss a plan for a wider operation to take control of the city.

Health authorities in Gaza said at least 30 people were killed on Sunday, including 13 near an aid site in central Gaza and two inside a house in Gaza City. The Israeli military said it was reviewing the reports. On Saturday, health officials said 15 others, including five children, were killed in a strike on a residential building.

Residents of Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood reported heavy tank shelling and airstrikes throughout the weekend. Israel has gradually expanded operations in recent weeks, ending temporary pauses for aid deliveries on Friday and declaring Gaza City a “dangerous combat zone.”

Netanyahu described Gaza City as Hamas’ final stronghold. Israeli officials said a large-scale assault could take weeks, with the government signalling its intention to move civilians before deploying additional ground forces.

On Sunday, Netanyahu confirmed Israeli forces had targeted Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, though the result of the strike was unclear. Hamas officials did not immediately comment.

International organisations have warned of severe humanitarian pressures. The Red Cross said any mass evacuation would be difficult to absorb given shortages of food, shelter and medical supplies. Local authorities estimate around half of Gaza’s population remains in Gaza City.

Since October 7, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, more than 63,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to local health officials. Israel disputes those figures. The health ministry in Gaza also reported 339 deaths from malnutrition, including 124 children, since the conflict began.

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