Israel

Israel Declares Gaza City a Combat Zone – Death Toll Surpasses 63,000

Israel’s offensive in Gaza’s largest city has begun. Thousands are fleeing, while churches and aid groups refuse to abandon the population. The death toll reaches new heights, and the world responds with condemnation.

Jaber Jehad Badwan, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jaber Jehad Badwan, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mikkel Preisler
By Mikkel Preisler 30. August 2025

Fighting Moves into Gaza City

Israel has declared Gaza City a combat zone and launched a new phase of the war. According to Gaza’s health authorities, the death toll has now risen to 63,025, with another 59 deaths reported in the past 24 hours.

Plumes of smoke could be seen from Israel as artillery and aircraft struck the city’s outskirts. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the offensive is necessary to prevent a repeat of the October 7, 2023 attack.

Families Flee – but No Place Is Safe

Hundreds of people left the city on Friday, many carrying their few possessions on pickup trucks and donkey carts. However, many say there are no safe places left.

“We can’t find shelter from the bombs – neither in the west nor the south. Where should we go?” asked resident Saddam Yazigi as he prepared to leave his home.

Church and Aid Organizations Remain

Despite Israel’s call for evacuation, several refuse to leave the city. Around 440 people have gathered in Gaza City’s Catholic church, where priests and volunteers are assisting the displaced.

“When we sense danger, people move closer to the walls. It’s the most protected place we have,” said Farid Jubran from the church.

UN relief agencies and many NGOs have also decided to stay—even though half of the hospital beds in the area risk being lost.

The Fate of the Hostages

Amid the offensive, Israel announced it had found the remains of two hostages. One of them is Ilan Weiss, who was killed during Hamas’ attack on Kibbutz Be’eri.

“We will not rest until we bring all the hostages home – both the living and the dead,” Netanyahu said. According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, 49 families are still waiting for answers.

An Unbearable Future for Civilians

The UN is warning that the attacks may have an unbearable effect on the hundreds of thousands already hungry, homeless, and lacking access to medical care.

With thousands fleeing and a combat zone declared in central Gaza, the region faces one of the most severe phases in the nearly two-year conflict.

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