Israel is blasting through Gaza City neighborhoods, but people have nowhere to go

"Israel's military says it has taken control of almost half of Gaza City as it prepares for a large-scale ground offensive to fully occupy its densely populated urban center. Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said in a press briefing the military now has "operational control" of 40% of Gaza City and will continue to expand and intensify the offensive in the coming days."

"The military called around 60,000 reservists back to war to support the expansive operation, which Israel says is aimed at returning hostages and dismantling Hamas rule. Last week, the military declared all of Gaza City a "dangerous combat zone" and is striking at high-rise buildings in the city's central and western neighborhoods. These areas, including its western shoreline, have been crowded for months with displaced people and tents."

Israeli forces claim operational control of 40% of Gaza City and are preparing a large-scale ground offensive to fully occupy the densely populated urban center. The military called around 60,000 reservists back to support operations aimed at returning hostages and dismantling Hamas. Israeli strikes have targeted high-rise buildings and leveled neighborhoods on Gaza City's outskirts, displacing thousands and destroying homes, including roughly 1,500 in Zaytoun and Sabra. Displaced people have gathered along the western shoreline and in tents. The war began in October 2023, has killed more than 64,200 people, and continues amid political backing from Israeli leadership.

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