Israeli forces have destroyed more than 50 buildings across
Gaza City in their ongoing military campaign, as confirmed by Gaza's Civil
Defense and multiple independent sources. The strikes targeted high-rise
buildings accused of hosting Hamas infrastructure, resulting in significant
destruction, civilian displacement, and dozens of fatalities.
Israeli Military Intensifies Attacks on Gaza City
As reported by Sebastian Vandermeersch and Matt Murphy of
BBC News, recent satellite imagery and ground footage reveal that Israeli
airstrikes and demolitions have obliterated numerous buildings across Gaza City, including notable neighborhoods like Sheikh Radwan, Zeitoun, and Tuffah.
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) claim to have gained control over 40% of Gaza
City, with coordinated military operations aimed at dismantling what they
describe as "terror infrastructure" embedded in civilian areas. The
images display extensive damage including leveled buildings, flattened
neighborhoods, and disrupted shelter areas previously housing displaced
Palestinians. These developments follow Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s declaration to seize full control of Gaza City after ceasefire
talks with Hamas collapsed in July. UN humanitarian representatives have warned
of catastrophic humanitarian consequences should the offensive escalate.
Targeted Destruction of High-Rise Buildings
On 5 September, as documented by Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary
and Hani Mahmoud, the Israeli military struck and destroyed Mushtaha Tower, a
12-story building on Gaza City’s western edge, after warning residents to evacuate.
Israeli officials assert the building was used by Hamas for military planning;
however, the building’s management and Palestinians refute this, insisting it
served as shelter for displaced families. The strike resulted in injuries and
widespread disruption to nearby makeshift tent communities. Israel’s Defence
Minister Israel Katz described the escalating operations as "the gates of
hell opening" and vowed continued attacks until Hamas complies with
Israel’s terms, including hostage release and disarmament. In the days
following, the IDF demolished additional high-rise towers such as the Sussi
Tower and al-Raya Tower, drawing further criticism from Palestinian authorities
and international observers. These demolitions form part of a broader strategy
to reduce risks to Israeli ground troops while destabilising Hamas’s urban
strongholds but have resulted in immense civilian hardship and displacement.
Civilian Casualties and Displacement
Reuters journalist reports indicated that at least 40 Palestinians
were killed in Gaza throughout a recent weekend bombardment, many in Gaza City
alone. The Gaza health ministry and Civil Defense, overseen by Hamas, confirmed
fatalities including numerous women and children. Displaced persons shelters,
schools, and residential areas have been repeatedly targeted. The IDF urges
residents to relocate to southern Gaza, designating al-Mawasi and other areas
as humanitarian zones, yet the UN and Palestinian sources describe conditions
there as overcrowded and perilous. Despite assurances of medical aid and
supplies, hospitals in southern Gaza are overwhelmed. Witness accounts included
tragic incidents where children were killed at water points in allegedly
targeted zones, with investigations ongoing.
Military Strategy and International Reactions
Israeli Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated during a press
briefing that the operation to undermine Hamas’s infrastructure continues to
expand and intensify, aiming to gain full control of Gaza City’s neighborhoods.
The military’s use of advanced precision strikes, leafletting civilians to
evacuate, and large-scale demolitions highlight a strategy focused on urban
warfare and psychological impact. Military analyst Elijah Magnier, speaking to
Al Jazeera, described the destruction of Gaza’s skyline as intended to disrupt
civilian morale and signal Israel’s determination to control the city, despite
the heavy toll on civilians. International humanitarian agencies warn that no
area in Gaza remains safe, labeling the situation as a potential catastrophe
for the civilian population.
The Scale of Destruction Visualised
BBC Verify’s analysis of satellite imagery alongside
on-the-ground footage confirms the scale of destruction, with over 50 buildings
destroyed in Gaza City alone. The images show tracks left by Israeli armored
vehicles cutting through areas where homes once stood, collapsed towers, and
the disappearance of tent communities built for displaced Gazans. Some of the
demolished buildings included historically significant sites, such as a
cemetery containing over 3,000 World War I soldiers, already damaged by previous
bombardments.
Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies
Palestinian and UN sources report that nearly 90% of Gaza’s
population—more than 1.9 million people—have been displaced since the beginning
of the Israeli military operation. The continuous bombardment and ground
incursions have destroyed infrastructure critical for civilian survival,
leaving many without shelter, water, or medical care. Despite Israeli calls for
evacuation to southern zones, humanitarian conditions remain dire, with
hospitals overwhelmed and relief agencies struggling to provide aid. The United
Nations emphasizes that no part of Gaza can be considered safe amid the ongoing
conflict.
The Israeli military’s campaign to capture Gaza City has led to the destruction of over 50 buildings, including high-rise residential and commercial towers, based on allegations of their use by Hamas militants. The operation has resulted in extensive civilian displacement, numerous casualties including children, and a worsening humanitarian crisis as Gaza’s infrastructure collapses under sustained Israeli bombardment. Warnings from international organisations about catastrophic outcomes heighten concerns about the conflict’s future trajectory amid intensifying military actions and stalled diplomatic efforts.