Israeli Air Strikes Intensify in Gaza City Amid UN Findings

Air strikes and artillery shelling targeted Gaza City on October 31, 2023, as a United Nations inquiry concluded that Israel is committing acts of genocide in the besieged enclave. Thick columns of black smoke rose above the southern Tel al-Hawa neighborhood, where the sounds of fighter jets, helicopters, and quadcopters were accompanied by explosions from booby-trapped vehicles. This escalation marks a significant intensification in Israel’s military campaign, which has lasted for 22 months.

The Israeli military announced a “new phase” in its operations. Defence Minister Israel Katz took to social media platform X, proclaiming, “Gaza [City] is burning.” He emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would continue their offensive: “We will not relent and we will not back down, until the mission is completed.” This military statement aligns with a broader strategy to dismantle what Israel describes as terrorist infrastructure in the region.

Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that while the administration seeks a diplomatic resolution, preparations must be made for an ongoing conflict. The day began with five massive explosions lighting up streets already devastated by previous attacks. Medical officials reported at least 90 fatalities and numerous injuries, with many individuals still believed to be trapped under rubble.

The Israeli forces expanded their strikes to central neighborhoods, including Rimal and Daraj, as well as areas such as Sheikh Ejleen and Nasr. Thousands of Palestinians fled south, many leaving with only the clothes on their backs. Outside al-Quds Hospital on Tel al-Hawa Street, families attempted to shelter in the facility, struggling to carry suitcases and personal belongings. The Ministry of Health in Gaza has warned of “severe overcrowding” in emergency departments, as medical teams face dwindling supplies and a critical shortage of blood units.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the escalating violence, calling the situation “horrendous.” He noted the extensive destruction of neighborhoods and expressed concern over the high civilian death toll, stating, “What happened in Gaza today is horrendous. We are seeing massive destruction of neighborhoods, now the systematic destruction of Gaza City.” Guterres remarked that such levels of civilian casualties were unprecedented in his tenure as secretary-general.

In response to the intensified military actions, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described Israel’s escalation as “a step in the completely wrong direction.” The UK’s newly appointed Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warned that the ongoing assault would only lead to increased bloodshed. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed these sentiments, stating that the offensive would exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation, leading to “more death, more destruction & more displacement.”

These remarks came on the same day that the UN’s top investigative body on Palestine and Israel released a report asserting that Israel is guilty of genocide, marking a significant and authoritative conclusion. The 72-page report from the UN Commission of Inquiry found that Israel had committed four of the five acts prohibited under the 1948 Genocide Convention, indicating that Israeli leaders demonstrated intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a group. This finding underscores similar conclusions reached by various Palestinian, Israeli, and international human rights organizations.

As the situation continues to evolve, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with international leaders calling for urgent action to prevent further loss of life and to address the ongoing conflicts that have led to such widespread devastation.