Israel’s military pounded Gaza City on Wednesday, killing at least 123 people in the last day, according to the Gaza health ministry. The surge in violence marked the worst death toll in a week and added to the massive fatalities from the nearly two-year war that has shattered the enclave housing over 2 million Palestinians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his plan for Palestinians to leave on their own will, sparking international outcry and condemnation. Netanyahu said, “They’re not being pushed out, they’ll be allowed to exit.” However, Arabs and many world leaders have expressed shock at the idea of displacing the Gaza population, which Palestinians say would be like another “Nakba” (catastrophe).
Israel’s planned re-seizure of Gaza City is likely weeks away. The country’s military continued its assault on eastern areas of Gaza City, with residents reporting that many homes were destroyed in the Zeitoun and Shejaia neighborhoods overnight. Eight more people, including three children, have died of starvation and malnutrition in Gaza in the past 24 hours.
Hamas held further talks with Egyptian mediators in Cairo, focusing on stopping the war, delivering aid, and “ending the suffering of our people in Gaza.” However, Hamas is open to a ceasefire if Israel ends the war and pulls out. The international community has criticized Netanyahu’s plan for expanding military control over Gaza, deeming it “unimaginable levels” of suffering.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, Israel’s offensive against Hamas in Gaza has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials. Arab states and the international community want post-war Gaza to be governed by the Palestinian Authority.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-pounds-gaza-city-123-dead-last-24-hours-2025-08-13