Humanitarian Disaster Grows as Israel’s Ground Assault Encircles Gaza City Residents

 📌 Topline: Israel’s intensified ground offensive in Gaza City has trapped hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, with no safe exits and relentless bombardment. Al Jazeera reports that the military is applying “extreme pressure” to force mass displacement, as civilian casualties mount and aid access collapses.

📝 Description: As of September 18, Israeli forces have killed at least 79 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, including dozens in Gaza City, where tanks, jets, and naval units are converging on densely populated neighborhoods. The offensive has targeted hospitals, schools, and residential areas, leaving families with few options for escape.

Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reports that Israeli troops are pushing civilians southward into overcrowded zones, while a temporary evacuation route via Salah al-Din Street was opened for just 48 hours. Many families spent over 13 hours navigating bombed roads, only to find no shelter or aid upon arrival.

Gaza’s Government Media Office estimates that 350,000 people have been displaced to central and western parts of the city, while another 190,000 have fled entirely. The UN has called the situation “horrendous,” warning of a humanitarian collapse.

Meanwhile, controversial remarks by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich—describing Gaza as a future “real estate bonanza”—have sparked outrage and fueled accusations of land appropriation.

📚 Summary:

• 🚨 Israeli ground invasion traps hundreds of thousands in Gaza City
• 🏥 Hospitals, schools, and homes targeted amid mass displacement
• 🛣️ Salah al-Din Street opened briefly for evacuation; chaos ensues
• 📊 350,000 displaced within city; 190,000 fled entirely
• 🗣️ UN condemns offensive; Israeli minister calls Gaza a “real estate bonanza”
  

🌍 Context: The siege of Gaza City marks one of the deadliest phases of Israel’s war, now in its 23rd month. With over 65,000 Palestinians killed and thousands buried under rubble, the offensive is reshaping the region’s humanitarian and political landscape.

🔗 References: Al Jazeera & TQ Desk