Gaza hospitals reported that at least  106 Palestinians were killed since dawn, as Israel escalates its assault on Gaza City with raids, bombardments, and ground incursions.

The Israeli military intensified its violent airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, destroying numerous civilian buildings and facilities and causing a record number of deaths and injuries, while many others remain trapped under the rubble.

Sources in Gaza hospitals reported that 106 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces’ fire since dawn today, including 91 in Gaza City.

Among them, 40 were killed by Israeli raids on Tuesday morning that targeted three homes belonging to the Zaqout, Hamid, and Balousha families in the General Security area, north of Gaza City.

Gaza’s Civil Defense said several people are still missing under the rubble of homes bombed by Israeli warplanes without prior warning. It added that the lack of resources, equipment, and heavy machinery is preventing rescue efforts.

The Israeli occupation army renewed its warning for Gaza City residents to evacuate immediately, announcing the launch of a large-scale military operation to occupy the city. The army stated that two divisions had already begun operations, with a third expected to join soon.

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Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said, “We have begun deepening the operation toward the heart of Gaza City, which is considered a vital area for Hamas,” he claimed.

Today, Tuesday, Israeli forces destroyed two residential buildings in the western neighborhoods of Gaza City.

Al-Quds Hospital reported that four people were killed and several others wounded in an Israeli attack on the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood, southwest of Gaza City.

According to Al Jazeera’s correspondent, artillery shelling and airstrikes also targeted the vicinity of the Sudanese area, northwest of Gaza City.

The Anadolu Agency quoted eyewitnesses as saying that the Israeli army destroyed the multi-story “Tawfiq” building in the densely populated Al-Nasr neighborhood in western Gaza City. Witnesses explained that the bombing caused widespread panic among residents, while dozens of families were displaced.

In the Shati refugee camp, Israeli forces destroyed a residential building belonging to the Halawa family, displacing dozens of Palestinians who were living inside or in nearby tents, which were also damaged.

According to the Gaza government media office, Israeli forces have completely or severely destroyed more than 3,600 buildings and towers in Gaza City in recent weeks, and demolished about 13,000 tents housing displaced people.

Since last night, the Israeli army has escalated raids and live fire against the northern and western neighborhoods of Gaza City, seeking to spread panic and force residents to flee.

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Earlier on Tuesday, an Israeli military official announced a “new phase” in the occupation of Gaza City, describing it as a gradual incursion. The city is home to around one million Palestinians, most of them displaced.

Despite the intense bombardment, the majority of Palestinians in Gaza refuse to relocate to the south, citing the absence of even the most basic necessities of life. Many of those previously displaced have since returned to Gaza City.

According to Gaza’s government office, Israel has confined more than 800,000 Palestinians to the Mawasi area of Rafah and Khan Yunis, where they lack the means to survive.

UN experts warned on Tuesday that the Israeli assault on Gaza City would be disastrous for civilians in the besieged enclave. They called on all UN member states to take urgent action to prevent further genocide and famine.

With American support, Israel has been carrying out genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, killing 64,964 Palestinians and wounding 165,312, most of them children and women, while famine has killed 428 Palestinians, including 146 children.

(PC, AJA)