Israeli military operations in Gaza City reached new intensity Sunday as aerial bombardments and ground assaults forced thousands of residents toward southern areas of the coastal enclave. Palestinian sources report entire neighborhoods becoming uninhabitable, with critical infrastructure collapsing under sustained attacks.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos in northern Gaza's Abu Iskandar and Jabalia districts, where artillery fire struck residential buildings. 'We saw families running barefoot through rubble while drones hovered overhead,' said Ahmed Nasser, a volunteer medic reached via encrypted message.
Gaza health authorities report 11,328 fatalities since March 18, with total casualties surpassing 63,000 since hostilities began in October 2023. Humanitarian workers warn of catastrophic conditions as water purification systems fail and hospitals operate without anesthesia.
In a significant policy shift, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir declared Sunday that Hamas leaders abroad would become targets. The announcement followed the elimination of Abu Obeida, spokesperson for Hamas' armed wing, during weekend operations.
Analysts suggest the expanded targeting strategy could prolong regional tensions. 'When state militaries pursue non-state actors across borders, it creates complex legal and diplomatic challenges,' noted Middle East security expert Dr. Leila Farsi from the Geneva Conflict Studies Institute.
