GAZA CITY, Aug 22: Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Gaza City could face destruction similar to Rafah and Beit Hanoun unless Hamas agrees to Israel’s conditions: full disarmament and the release of all hostages.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has authorized preparations for a major ground offensive, potentially starting within days. Gaza City remains Hamas’s stronghold and shelters hundreds of thousands of civilians.
Aid agencies warn that further escalation will worsen famine and humanitarian conditions, already dire due to blockade and fighting.
On Friday, an Israeli airstrike killed at least 17 Palestinians, including seven at a school in Gaza City.
Since the war began in October 2023, over 62,000 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Meanwhile, only eight hostages have been rescued alive out of the 251 taken; around 20 are believed to remain alive in Gaza.
Ceasefire talks continue without direct negotiations. (AP)
