The Israeli army attacked Gaza City Friday and declared the area a combat zone.
International organisations and aid groups immediately condemned Israel’s operation.
Gaza health officials reported 63,025 deaths, including 59 in the last 24 hours.
Churches and aid groups pledged to stay in the city to help displaced residents.
Israel said Hamas leaders hide in Gaza City and operate an active tunnel network.
Explosions and smoke erupted across southern Israel as fighting escalated.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel must destroy Hamas to prevent another October 7 attack.
Civilians Endure Violence and Displacement
Gaza City residents said international criticism did not stop Israel’s military strikes.
Mohamed Aboul Hadi said massacres continued even during humanitarian pauses.
Displaced families erected temporary shelters near the Nuseirat refugee camp on Friday.
Mohammed Maarouf compared his family’s suffering to abandoned animals, claiming dogs lived with more dignity.
Death Toll and Malnutrition Rise
The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed more than 63,000 deaths since the conflict began.
The ministry reported 322 malnutrition-related deaths, including 121 children, since the war started.
UN officials consider the ministry’s data reliable despite its Hamas administration affiliation.
Israel rejected these numbers but provided no alternative casualty statistics.
Last month, Israel implemented “tactical pauses” from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for limited aid deliveries.
Aid organisations reported severe obstacles from blockades, looting, and restrictions.
Israel mobilised tens of thousands of reservists Friday after weeks of targeted strikes.
Army spokesperson Avichay Adraee vowed to intensify attacks until Hamas collapsed and hostages returned.
He warned civilians to evacuate south, calling the evacuation inevitable.
