Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz posted a striking video Friday showing a missile hitting a high-rise building in Gaza City. "We started," he said in a short caption.
The footage marked the opening salvo of Israel's intensified offensive, signaling that the military is entering a new, more aggressive phase against Hamas positions, which Israel says are located throughout the city.
Newsweek has reached out to the Israeli Defense Forces for comment.
Why It Matters
The offensive represents a major escalation in Israel's nearly two-year conflict with Hamas, raising concerns for civilians and hostages in Gaza City. Tens of thousands of Israeli reservists have been mobilized, and evacuation orders have been issued for parts of the city designated as "red zones," reflecting Israel's intent to widen its operations into Hamas strongholds.
International observers warn that intensified attacks could worsen the humanitarian crisis in the territory.
What To Know
Friday's strike targeted the Mushtaha Tower in the southern Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City, a multi-story building previously hit by Israeli attacks. Israel justified the attack on the building by alleging that Hamas uses it for surveillance and military operations.
While the tower had been struck before, this was the first attack since Israel announced its plan to take Gaza City several weeks ago.
Earlier Post Frames the Campaign
A few hours before posting the video, Katz issued a message signaling the offensive's intent: "Now the bolt must be removed from the gates of hell in Gaza.... When the door is opened, it will not be closed, and IDF activity will intensify."
He described the campaign as continuing until Hamas "accept Israel's conditions for ending the war, headed by the release of all the hostages and disarmament—or they will be destroyed," framing the strike on the Mushtaha Tower as the opening step of a broader strategy.
Hostage Concerns
The offensive has intensified fears for hostages believed to be in Gaza, particularly in Gaza City. Forty-eight hostages remain, with 20 thought to be alive.
Hamas released a video Friday showing Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel pleading for the war to end and to return to their families. Gilboa-Dalal had not been seen publicly for more than six months, emphasizing the ongoing concern for their safety amid Israeli strikes.
Humanitarian Impact
The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported 69 deaths in hospitals over the past 24 hours. Since Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which killed roughly 1,200 people and abducted 251, Israel's retaliatory operations have claimed more than 64,000 Palestinian lives.
Gaza City has been designated a combat zone, and residents in "red zones" face costly and often impossible relocation efforts, leaving many in dangerous conditions.
Public Opinion
Israel's offensive has sparked domestic protests, with demonstrators voicing concern over the safety of hostages and the potential for civilian casualties. Protesters have gathered in major cities, criticizing the government's approach and calling for greater caution as military operations escalate.
What Happens Next
Israel's campaign in Gaza City is expected to accelerate, focusing on Hamas strongholds and military infrastructure. The fate of hostages and civilians, as well as the broader humanitarian impact, will remain central concerns as the offensive unfolds.
