The Israeli military has demolished more than 240 residential homes in the Gaza Strip over the past few days, according to the Gaza government’s media office. Officials say the strikes are part of a systematic effort to displace civilians and destroy Palestinian communities.
Ismail al-Thawabta, the head of the media office, condemned the attacks, calling them a “scorched-earth policy” designed to create fear, force displacement, and break the spirit of the population. He stressed that the homes hit were civilian residences sheltering families, children, and the elderly with no military presence, despite Israeli claims.
“This is a clear attempt to push people into submission through terror,” al-Thawabta said. “But our people will not surrender.”
The ongoing Israeli offensive, which began in October 2023, has resulted in the deaths of more than 54,400 Palestinians, many of them women and children. Humanitarian organizations continue to warn of a deepening crisis, including a looming famine in Gaza.
The situation has drawn growing international concern. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Calls for an immediate ceasefire remain unanswered as the bombardment and humanitarian crisis intensify.
