Israeli assault kills dozens amid Palestinian state recognition surge

Gaza City, September 16, 2025.
Reuters

Israel’s military continued its assault in Gaza City and across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, dismantling underground shafts and booby-trapped structures.

Gazan health authorities say the attacks killed at least 60 Palestinians. At the same time, UK, Canada, Australia and several more nations are set to formally recognise an independent Palestinian state on Monday, ahead of the U.N. General Assembly.

Israeli forces have escalated demolitions of high-rise buildings in Gaza City this week, combined with a ground assault. They currently control the eastern suburbs and have been bombarding the Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa areas, which would serve as staging points for further advances into central and western parts of the city, where most civilians are now taking shelter. 

The military claims up to 20 tower blocks in Gaza City have been destroyed over the past two weeks. It estimates more than 500,000 people have fled the city since September began. Hamas contests those figures, saying approximately 300,000 have left, and about 900,000 remain, including hostages. 

Hamas’ military wing also released a montage-type image of Israeli hostages on Telegram, warning that the operation in Gaza City threatens their lives.

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