Escalation in Gaza: Israel Destroys Second High-Rise Amid Intensified Assault

Sat Sep 13 2025 06:53:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Israeli military has destroyed another high-rise in Gaza City, intensifying their military operations as claims of Hamas usage emerge. The situation escalates amidst concerns for civilian safety and humanitarian conditions.

The Israeli military has targeted and destroyed the Sussi Tower, the second high-rise in Gaza City within two days, claiming it was used by Hamas, which the group denies. Despite warnings and calls for civilians to evacuate, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with overcrowded shelters and inadequate resources in the south. This escalation follows continued military operations since an October 2023 terror attack in Israel.

The Israeli military has destroyed a high-rise block in Gaza City, the second major tower it has targeted in as many days.

Defence Minister Israel Katz posted video of the building collapsing on social media, accompanied by the caption: We're continuing.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) indicated that the Sussi Tower was allegedly being utilized by Hamas, a claim contested by the militant group.

There were no immediate reports on casualties following the strike. Prior to the operation, Israel had conducted a campaign urging residents to relocate to what it refers to as a humanitarian zone in the southern part of the territory.

In social media communications, IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee implored residents to join the thousands who had already moved to al-Mawasi - a region situated between Khan Younis and the coast.

The IDF claims to have taken precautionary measures to minimize civilian harm, stating that advance warnings were issued and precision munitions were used.

However, the United Nations (UN) has reported that the camp facilities at al-Mawasi have become overcrowded, presenting safety concerns, and that local hospitals are overwhelmed. Furthermore, an incident on Tuesday saw the tragic death of five children who were reportedly struck by an Israeli drone while waiting for water.

The Sussi Tower demolition follows the destruction of the Mushtaha Tower, which was also claimed by the IDF as a Hamas target. Palestinian spokespeople assert that displaced families had sought refuge in the Mushtaha Tower during its destruction.

Satellite images have revealed extensive damage to various neighborhoods in Gaza resulting from recent strikes, leading to allegations of forced displacement against Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has articulated plans for the complete annexation of the Gaza Strip following breakdowns in ceasefire negotiations with Hamas earlier in July.

According to UN estimates, almost one million individuals still reside in Gaza City, where severe humanitarian crises have been unresolved. The situation has worsened significantly since an escalatory attack from Hamas on southern Israel in October 2023, which resulted in considerable loss of life and hostages taken on both sides. Reports indicate that at least 63,746 fatalities have occurred in Gaza since then due to incessant bombings, with malnutrition and starvation accounting for 367 deaths thus far.