Israeli Forces Advance into Gaza City Amid Heavy Shelling and Civilian Evacuations

Israeli military forces have intensified their ground operations in Gaza City, advancing into multiple neighborhoods over the past 24 hours. Journalists on the ground report heavy shelling, explosions, and gunfire as Israeli tanks move deeper into the city.

Geolocated images from Tuesday show tanks in the western area known as Beach Camp, and footage from Monday indicates their presence south of the Islamic University, suggesting significant territorial gains since the ground assault began on Sunday.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had previously ordered residents and displaced individuals to evacuate Gaza City. At that time, approximately one million people were estimated to be in the city. The IDF now reports that 640,000 people have left, though this figure remains unverified.

As Israeli units secure more areas, they are reportedly using remotely detonated armored vehicles packed with explosives to demolish buildings. The IDF stated that Hamas converts such structures into combat zones used for ambushes, command centers, weapon depots, and other military purposes.

The IDF confirmed the death of an officer, Maj. Shahar Netanel Bozaglo, 27, during Monday's fighting in Gaza City. An initial probe suggests he was killed when a Hamas operative fired a rocket-propelled grenade at his battalion's tank.

Residents and reporters have observed a heavy drone presence and Israeli attack helicopters over Gaza City. Asem Alnabih, a spokesperson for Gaza Municipality, described the situation on social media: "Lately, every explosion has felt like an earthquake, not a metaphor, but a literal shaking of the ground beneath us."

The IDF's advance into densely populated areas has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally. Families of hostages held in Gaza express concern that the operation endangers their loved ones. European governments, along with Canada and Australia, have condemned the offensive, citing the worsening humanitarian crisis.

Despite evacuation orders, hundreds of thousands remain in Gaza City, unable or unwilling to move south. Abu Wissam, who lost his home and son, told reporters: "If I had the money to evacuate and rent a place to stay... I would leave. But now there are gangs in the south charging people to sleep in the streets."

Medical facilities are overwhelmed. The International Committee of the Red Cross described the needs in Gaza City as "astronomical." On Monday, Al-Rantisi Children's Hospital and the Specialized Eye Hospital shut down and evacuated patients, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

Dr. Saya Aziz at Al-Shifa hospital highlighted the dire conditions: "Look at the dressing, look there's nothing to clean them with... How is this baby surviving?" She added that even transferring patients south is futile: "I've been down south, they have nothing, there's nothing."

Medical Aid for Palestinians reported that Al-Quds hospital sustained damage due to intense bombardment of the Tal Al-Hawa neighborhood. A healthcare center run by the Palestinian Medical Relief Society was also destroyed.

The Israeli cabinet initially set October 7 as the deadline for Gaza City's evacuation and IDF takeover. However, former residents note that establishing full control will be challenging due to the city's narrow streets.

In response to Israel's actions, several governments, including France, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Portugal, have moved to recognize a Palestinian state. Israel condemned these recognitions as rewarding terrorism. French President Emmanuel Macron stated at the United Nations that recognizing a Palestinian state is the "only solution that will allow for Israel to live in peace," calling it a "defeat for Hamas."

Note: This summary is based on reports from various news outlets and official statements.