The Israeli army has targeted the headquarters of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza City, claiming it contained combat equipment and detention rooms belonging to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. This attack is part of a broader ground offensive in Gaza City initiated early Monday.
The Israeli military’s statement asserts that the operation is based on intelligence indicating the presence of Hamas and Islamic Jihad infrastructure and operatives within the city. The army had previously conducted operations in the area to eliminate Hamas operatives and destroy an underground tunnel beneath the UNRWA compound. Loudspeakers were reportedly used to warn civilians to leave the building, promising a safe passage for noncombatants.
UNRWA has yet to respond to the attack on its headquarters.
Evacuations and Casualties
Following the expanded “immediate” evacuation orders by the Israeli military, Palestinians are fleeing the eastern parts of Gaza City, including Tuffah, Daraj, and Old City neighborhoods. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will only agree to a deal with Hamas if the group agrees to Israel’s conditions to resume fighting in Gaza. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant insists on continuing the fight with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, regardless of any truce agreement in Gaza.
Ground Offensive and Strikes
The ground offensive has seen Israeli military vehicles entering neighborhoods like Tel al-Hawa, the industrial area, university zones, and the southern outskirts of Rimal under heavy fire from fighter jets and artillery. Witnesses report intense strikes on southwestern Gaza City, with continuous gunfire from helicopters. Health facilities in Gaza City are out of service as Israeli forces have raided hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip. Additionally, Israeli gunboats have fired at the fishermen’s port in western Gaza City.
Casualty Figures and International Reactions
Since the conflict began on October 7, over 38,193 Palestinians have been killed, including many women and children, with more than 87,903 injured. In Israel, the death toll from Hamas-led attacks is estimated at 1,139, with dozens still held captive in Gaza.
International condemnation has grown as Israel continues its offensive, defying a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire. The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to halt its military operation in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians had sought refuge.
Mediated truce talks are expected to continue in Egypt and Qatar this week.
