Israel strikes Gaza, protests grow against Netanyahu's offensive
Photo: Israeli forces conduct heavy shelling of Gaza (Getty Images)
The Israeli army is heavily shelling Gaza City. Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, families of hostages are protesting against the IDF operation outside the residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Ynet and The Times of Israel.
Around midnight on September 16, the Israel Defense Forces began intensive shelling of Gaza as part of an operation to bring the city under full control.
"There is heavy, relentless bombing on Gaza City, and the danger keeps increasing," witness Ahmed Ghazal says, adding that homes have been destroyed and residents are trapped under the rubble.
Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defense service, told the agency that "bombing is still ongoing heavily across Gaza City, and the number of deaths and injuries continues to rise."
Protests in Jerusalem
Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, along with former captives, held a protest outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence.
Police blocked the street. Protesters set up tents near the residence and chanted: "The prime minister heard the families were coming and ran away."
One demonstrator shouted at Sara Netanyahu: "Come out and say how you lied to my face!"
IDF offensive on Gaza
The Israel Defense Forces have launched a large-scale ground offensive to seize control of Gaza City. The operation began after a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who expressed support for Jerusalem’s plans.
At the same time, Hamas threatened to use about 50 Israeli hostages as "human shields." US President Donald Trump warned the group that it would be held accountable for civilian deaths.
Earlier, Israel threatened to destroy Gaza City unless Hamas laid down its arms and released the hostages still being held.
