A 12-story building in Gaza City collapsed on Friday after being struck by an Israeli airstrike, forcing residents in the surrounding area to flee in panic.
The Israeli military confirmed it had targeted the high-rise, claiming Hamas militants had been using tall buildings in Gaza City for ambush operations. “We will carry out precision strikes,” the Israeli forces declared.
Less than 24 hours later, Israeli warplanes struck another high-rise—a 15-story apartment building—further escalating tensions in the densely populated urban hub.
The strikes have fueled speculation that Israel is preparing for a full-scale ground occupation of Gaza City, widely regarded as Hamas’ strongest bastion.
Residents say panic is spreading across northern Gaza as more families rush to evacuate neighborhoods feared to be next in line for air raids.
Israel has intensified its campaign in recent weeks, signaling a shift from targeted operations toward broader military objectives in Gaza.
