'Israel' claims it controls 40% of Gaza City

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) claimed Thursday that its forces now control 40 percent of Gaza City, the largest urban area in the besieged territory, as it pushes ahead with an assault nearly two years into the war.

In recent days, 'Israeli' strikes have intensified on the city’s northern neighborhoods, part of preparations for a wider ground offensive, despite international appeals to halt the campaign.

According to Gaza’s civil defence agency, at least 30 people were killed on Thursday in Gaza City alone, while more than 60 Palestinians lost their lives across the strip. Local officials said one strike targeted a tent sheltering a displaced family, killing five, including three children.

IOF spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin confirmed in a televised briefing, “We hold 40 percent of the territory of Gaza City,” pledging that operations “will continue to expand and intensify in the coming days.” He vowed to keep pressure on Hamas “until it is defeated.”

The UN has already declared famine in and around Gaza City, where nearly a million Palestinians remain. With most of the population displaced at least once, 'Israeli' officials estimate the new offensive could push another million further south.

Scenes from Gaza on Thursday highlighted the human toll. At Al-Shifa Hospital, bodies wrapped in shrouds lay on the floor of the morgue. A grieving mother clutched her son’s head and cried, “Who are you leaving me to, son? Why? Why?”

In Tel al-Hawa, residents picked through the remnants of charred tents. Israa al-Basous described how her children woke screaming as shrapnel tore through their shelter, “My children and I were sleeping in the tent when we heard the sound of bombing. Shrapnel fell on us, and my four children started screaming.”

UNICEF spokeswoman Tess Ingram, speaking after a visit to Gaza, said “the unthinkable in Gaza City has already begun,” warning that without greater access to food and aid “more children will starve.”

She added bluntly, “Palestinian life is being dismantled here, steadily but surely.”

Read more: Top EU official: Genocide in Gaza exposes Europe’s failure to act

In Europe, the war’s escalation has triggered unusually sharp criticism. European Commission vice president Teresa Ribera labeled 'Israel’s' campaign “genocide,” declaring, “The genocide in Gaza exposes Europe’s failure to act and speak with one voice.” Israel rejected her remarks, accusing her of echoing “Hamas propaganda.”

Meanwhile, Hamas said its officials met in Doha with Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, to discuss efforts to end the war.