Why Did the Israeli Army Demolish a 15-Floor Tower in Gaza City?
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Synopsis
The recent demolition of a 15-floor tower in Gaza City by the Israeli army raises significant questions about the ongoing military operations in the region. With increasing civilian displacement and destruction, the situation remains dire. What implications does this have for the future of Gaza and its residents?
Key Takeaways
- The Israeli army demolished a 15-floor tower in Gaza City.
- Residents reported feeling the ground shake during the explosions.
- Dozens of families have been displaced due to the destruction.
- The IDF claims the tower was used by Hamas for military operations.
- The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
Gaza/Jerusalem, Sep 6 (NationPress) The Israeli army has brought down a 15-floor residential tower in Gaza City on Saturday, following the destruction of another high-rise just a day prior, as part of its ongoing military campaign across the enclave.
Residents of Gaza reported to Xinhua news agency that Israeli warplanes unleashed a series of missiles on the al-Sousi tower, situated in the western area of Gaza City, turning it into debris in mere minutes.
The powerful blasts reverberated through the neighboring areas, causing significant damage to adjacent homes, shops, and streets, according to Xinhua.
“When the missiles struck, we felt the ground tremble beneath us,” recounted Ahmed al-Ras, a 42-year-old local who lived close to the tower. “We had to leave everything behind... our only option was to grab the children and flee.”
Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for the Civil Defence in the Gaza Strip, informed Xinhua that rescue teams have hurried to the location to search for survivors amidst the wreckage.
No immediate reports of casualties have emerged thus far. However, numerous families have been forced to evacuate, as the building was home to several displaced Palestinians.
The obliteration of the al-Sousi tower followed the Israeli airstrike on the 13-floor Mushtaha tower, also located in western Gaza City, just 24 hours earlier.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the al-Sousi tower was utilized by Hamas for the installation of intelligence gathering equipment and for establishing observation posts to monitor the movements of IDF forces in the vicinity.
“Additionally, Hamas had constructed underground infrastructure adjacent to the building, from where militants orchestrated assaults against our troops,” the statement elaborated.
The IDF emphasized that prior to the airstrike, they implemented careful measures to minimize civilian harm, including advanced evacuation notifications.
In recent weeks, the Israeli military has escalated its operations in Gaza City and other regions of the coastal territory, asserting its objective to dismantle Hamas.
The intensified airstrikes have predominantly targeted residential areas, high-rise buildings, and what the Israeli side categorizes as militant infrastructure.
Local sources have noted an uptick in the targeting of residential towers in recent days, heightening concerns among displaced civilians.
In the wake of the 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel, which claimed approximately 1,200 lives and resulted in around 250 hostages, Israel's offensive in Gaza has reportedly led to over 64,000 Palestinian deaths and 161,000 injuries, according to health authorities in Gaza.
Point of View
It is vital to present an unbiased perspective on the escalating conflict in Gaza. While the Israeli military asserts its actions are necessary for national security, the humanitarian impact on civilians cannot be overlooked. Displacement and destruction of residential areas raise urgent questions about the future stability of the region.
NationPress
06/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the demolition of the al-Sousi tower?
The Israeli Defense Forces claimed the tower was used by Hamas for military purposes, including intelligence gathering and directing attacks.
How many families were affected by the tower's destruction?
Dozens of families were displaced as the building housed several displaced Palestinians.
What measures were taken to protect civilians during the airstrike?
The IDF stated that advanced evacuation warnings were issued to mitigate harm to residents.
What is the current situation in Gaza following the escalated airstrikes?
The situation remains critical, with significant casualties reported and ongoing military operations targeting residential areas.
How has the conflict affected the civilian population in Gaza?
Health authorities report over 64,000 Palestinian deaths and 161,000 injuries due to the ongoing conflict and military actions.
