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Escalation of Violence in Gaza: Israeli Bombing and Promises of a decisive Operation
Gazan residents reported that Israeli aircraft and tanks continued targeting the eastern and northern areas of the city from Saturday evening through Sunday, destroying buildings and homes amid a state of anxiety and chaos.
Witnesses heard continuous explosions throughout the night in the neighborhoods of Zeitoun and Shuja'iyya, where tanks targeted homes and roads in the neighboring al-Sabra neighborhood, while Israeli forces blew up several buildings in the northern city of Jabalia.
In a statement, the Israeli army on Sunday said its forces had resumed deployment in the Jabalia area in recent days to dismantle militant tunnels and strengthen control over the region, explaining that the operation aims to expand the fighting zone and encircle Hamas activities.
These developments come amid Israel's approval of a plan to establish control over Gaza, which it describes as the last stronghold of Hamas, although its implementation has not yet begun. It is expected to be delayed by a few weeks to allow an initiative from Egypt and Qatar to resume ceasefire negotiations.
In statements on Sunday, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz vowed to continue the attack despite international concerns and internal objections, emphasizing that Gaza City will become ruins if Hamas does not agree to end the war under Israeli terms and release all hostages it holds.
As shelling intensifies, flames lit up the sky, sparking panic and prompting some citizens to flee their homes amidst ongoing military escalation.
