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Israel destroyed a 15-story apartment tower in western Gaza City on Saturday, the second such demolition in two days as the military announced expanded ground operations to occupy the Palestinian territory's largest city.
The Al-Sousi Tower, which housed more than 60 apartments, was flattened by Israeli warplanes following a brief evacuation order that left families scrambling to escape. The strike came one day after Israeli army brought down the nearby Mushtaha Tower in the same area.
Israeli military also warned of impending attacks on the Al-Roya and Al-Khayyam residential complexes on Saturday, while the army formally expanded its ground operations throughout Gaza City.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the demolitions, characterizing them as part of a systematic campaign to force Gaza City's nearly one million residents from their homes. The ministry said Palestinians face "forced exile or certain death through bombing and starvation."
According to the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, Israel's strategy aims to confine more than 2 million Palestinians to approximately 12% of the Gaza Strip, creating what it described as unlivable conditions as a prelude to mass expulsion.
The ministry called on regional and international actors to uphold Palestinian and Arab consensus on postwar arrangements for Gaza to protect civilians and prevent further displacement.
The military declared Wednesday its intention to seize the entire city after more than three weeks of bombardment, a strategy that has drawn criticism within Israel over risks to soldiers and hostages held in Gaza.
"The gates of hell are opening on Gaza," Defense Minister Israel Katz said as operations intensified.
The demolitions mark an escalation in Israel's military campaign that began in October 2023. Human Rights Watch reported last month that nearly 90% of Gaza's infrastructure has been destroyed, including homes, schools and public services, forcing most displaced families to shelter in overcrowded classrooms and damaged university buildings.
The Israeli military offensive has killed at least 64,300 Palestinians since October 2023, according to Palestinian health authorities. The territory is now facing famine conditions.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
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