The situation in Gaza City has escalated dramatically, with the Israeli military launching its most aggressive attacks in two years. Thousands of residents have been forced to flee, fearing they may never set foot in their homeland again. The head of the United Nations has described the offensive as "horrendous."

Amid rising black smoke from the devastated city, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared, "Gaza is burning." Survivors are evacuating in droves, loading vans and donkey carts with their last possessions, all while bullets and explosives rain down.

Once resolute to stay, many residents are now fleeing south as relentless bombardments convert neighborhoods into rubble. On one horrific day alone, the military's strikes resulted in at least 91 casualties, targeting civilians attempting to escape on the coastal highway.

Reports indicate significant destruction, with at least 17 buildings flattened, including the Aybaki Mosque, as Israeli warplanes continue their air campaign. Explosive robots, capable of obliterating entire housing units, have been deployed, enhancing the military's destructive capacity.

Since the onset of the war, about 1 million Palestinians returned to Gaza City to rebuild their lives—now, that effort lies in tatters. An official from the Israeli army suggests that around 350,000 people have fled the city, while local authorities claim that nearly 190,000 have escaped entirely.

The exodus leads many to overcrowded areas like the al-Mawasi camp, already filled with uprooted families seeking refuge. Unfortunately, even this haven has fallen victim to Israeli airstrikes. In a shocking twist, around 15,000 individuals have decided to return to Gaza City after witnessing the dire conditions at al-Mawasi.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues to advance with armored units deep into the urban sprawl of Gaza City. Senior military officials have stated that controlling Gaza City could take several months, highlighting the ongoing intensity of the conflict.

As the death toll climbs—over 100 fatalities reported in one day—the United Nations Commission of Inquiry has publicly labeled Israel’s actions as genocide, pointing to a specific intent to destroy the Palestinian people. This sobering classification comes amidst widespread international condemnation.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called the war "morally, politically and legally intolerable," while other global leaders echo calls for an end to the violence. The French Foreign Ministry has urged Israel to reconsider its objectives, stating that the current campaign defies military logic.

Irish President Michael D. Higgins has gone so far as to condemn not just the perpetrators of genocide, but those complicit through arms sales. He suggests reevaluating relationships with entities that support such atrocities, emphasizing the global community’s moral responsibility.