Sheikh Radwan neighborhood faces destruction as civilians flee under heavy bombardment
The Israeli military advanced further into Gaza City on Wednesday, with tanks and soldiers moving into Sheikh Radwan, one of the city’s most densely populated neighborhoods. The push marks the most significant incursion into the urban center after weeks of fighting through Gaza’s outer suburbs, despite mounting international calls for a halt to the offensive.
Residents described scenes of devastation: homes reduced to rubble, tent encampments destroyed, and loudspeaker drones ordering families to evacuate. Local health officials reported at least 24 Palestinians killed across Gaza on Wednesday, most of them in Gaza City.
“Sheikh Radwan is being burnt upside-down,” said Zakeya Sami, 60, a mother of five. “The occupation destroyed houses, burnt tents, and told us to leave. If this takeover isn’t stopped, we might die.”
Witnesses said Israeli forces bombed three schools sheltering displaced Palestinians and destroyed a medical clinic, including two ambulances. Armored vehicles carrying explosives were reportedly used to demolish homes in the eastern part of the neighborhood.
The Israeli military maintained its stance in a statement, pledging continued operations against “terrorist organizations” and efforts to “remove any threat” to Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered troops to capture Gaza City, which he calls the last Hamas stronghold. While Netanyahu insists Hamas must be defeated, Israeli military leaders have warned that prolonged fighting could endanger both hostages in Gaza and Israeli soldiers on the ground.
Public opinion within Israel shows growing frustration. In Jerusalem, protesters climbed the roof of the national library, unveiling a banner that read: “You have abandoned and also killed.” Many demonstrators demand a ceasefire deal to secure the release of hostages, reflecting increasing pressure on the government.
The offensive now risks displacing nearly one million Palestinians—almost half of Gaza’s population. With more than 63,000 Palestinians killed since the war began in October 2023, according to Gaza health officials, the humanitarian toll continues to escalate. Food shortages have become dire, with 367 deaths from malnutrition reported, including 131 children.
Hamas has signaled willingness to exchange hostages for a temporary ceasefire and has offered to release all captives in exchange for a permanent end to the war. Israel has not yet formally responded to these proposals.
As the battle intensifies in Sheikh Radwan and beyond, the future of Gaza City hangs in the balance, with civilians once again bearing the brunt of a relentless war.