Daijiworld Media Network – Gaza
Gaza, Aug 22: At least 60 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza on Friday, including 36 in Gaza City, as Israel intensified its attacks ahead of a possible ground offensive, medical sources told.
In one of the deadliest incidents, an Israeli air strike hit a school in Sheikh Radwan, Gaza City, where dozens of displaced Palestinians had taken shelter in makeshift tents. Gaza’s Health Ministry confirmed at least 12 civilians were killed in the attack. Verified footage circulating online showed an Israeli quadcopter hovering before dropping an explosive, followed by plumes of smoke rising from the targeted building.
Elsewhere, one person was killed in the Tuffah neighbourhood, while strikes on Khan Younis killed a woman and four children, sources at Nasser Medical Complex said. Another Palestinian was killed in Jabalia al-Balad, and five more aid seekers were reportedly killed during Israeli attacks across the Strip. Medical officials said one was shot near the Netzarim Corridor while waiting for humanitarian aid.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Gaza City would face complete destruction unless Hamas yielded to Israel’s ceasefire terms, which include the release of captives and Hamas’s disarmament. “The gates of hell will soon open on the heads of Hamas’ murderers and rapists in Gaza – until they agree to Israel’s conditions,” Katz posted on X.
Hamas has rejected disarmament without the creation of a Palestinian state but has expressed willingness to release captives in exchange for an end to the war. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that he had authorised preparations for a major operation to seize Gaza City, saying it could begin within days.
Despite fears that such an offensive could endanger about 20 captives believed to be alive, Netanyahu argued it was the only way to both free them and achieve Israel’s war aim of dismantling Hamas.
Al Jazeera correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum reported “unbearable grief and pain” among families and first responders across Gaza, saying relentless bombardment signalled that “no corner of Gaza is spared.”
Since May 27, when Israel launched its controversial US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid distribution system, Gaza’s Health Ministry estimates over 2,036 Palestinians seeking aid have been killed.