On Saturday, relentless Israeli military operations across the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of at least 91 Palestinians, with Gaza City alone accounting for 45 fatalities, as the ground offensive intensified amid widespread international condemnation.
The Government Media Office of Gaza condemned Israel for deceiving Palestinians by urging them to relocate to central and southern governorates, falsely labeling these areas as “safe humanitarian zones,” even as airstrikes continued to target these very locations.
Since the gaza-videos/” title=”Israel Launches Intense Ground Invasion of … (Videos)”>forced displacement from Gaza City began on August 11, a total of 1,903 Palestinians have lost their lives in 133 attacks concentrated in central and southern Gaza, representing nearly 46% of all casualties reported in the enclave during this timeframe, according to an official statement released on Saturday.
This data underscores the direct targeting of civilians despite Israeli directives to move southward. The Gaza authorities have called on the international community to intervene urgently, warning that ongoing global passivity effectively sanctions further atrocities.
Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud, reporting from central Gaza, described a surge in Israeli strikes on Gaza City from early Saturday, with a steady influx of casualties arriving at al-Shifa Hospital.
“Just moments ago, a family evacuating in a vehicle on a local road was hit by a drone missile, resulting in four immediate deaths,” Mahmoud reported. “Hundreds more are fleeing as Israeli drones and fighter jets relentlessly pursue them from one location to another.”
Hospitals Under Siege
Amid escalating Israeli bombardments and plans to capture Gaza City, several hospitals have been forced to close. On Saturday, the Jordan Field Hospital, one of the city’s primary medical centers, evacuated all 107 patients and staff following intense shelling.
Medical facilities in Gaza have been pushed to the brink for months, struggling under continuous attacks and severe shortages of essential supplies like anesthesia and antibiotics. Healthcare workers, many suffering from hunger themselves, face overwhelming challenges treating malnourished and injured patients.
Remaining hospitals in central Gaza are inundated with wounded individuals fleeing northern bombardments, many requiring urgent care that the overwhelmed facilities cannot adequately provide.
A displaced resident told Al Jazeera, “The influx of displaced people has worsened conditions in southern hospitals. Beds meant for one patient now have to accommodate two.”
Dr. Khalil Digran of Al-Aqsa Hospital confirmed that Israeli forces deliberately targeted al-Rantisi Pediatric Hospital, Gaza’s sole specialized children’s medical center. “Only al-Shifa and al-Ahli hospitals remain operational in Gaza City and the north, and even they are barely functioning,” he said. “The strain on healthcare in central and southern Gaza is intensifying, threatening a complete collapse.”
Mohammad Khoudary, another displaced individual, shared with Al Jazeera, “Since our displacement, my father’s health has deteriorated; he is severely dehydrated. I hope he can be transferred to Al-Aqsa Hospital soon.”
Hamas Denies Receiving Ceasefire Proposal
On the international front, demonstrations demanding a ceasefire erupted in cities including Berlin and Liverpool on Saturday.
Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated assertions this week that a ceasefire agreement for Gaza is imminent, Hamas officials have stated they have not been presented with any formal plan. Speaking anonymously to Al Jazeera, a Hamas representative confirmed, “No proposal has been shared with us.”
Trump remarked to reporters on Friday, “It looks like we have a deal on Gaza,” though he provided no further details or timeline. Israel has yet to publicly respond to these statements.
President Trump is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday. Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition remains firmly opposed to halting the Gaza conflict until Hamas is decisively defeated.
