• Israeli military escalates attacks on Gaza City suburbs, particularly in Zeitoun and Shejaia.
• Officials claim control over Jabalia area to dismantle Hamas tunnels; offensive raises international concern.
• Humanitarian crisis deepens as reports of famine emerge in Gaza City, with rising malnutrition-related deaths.

Israeli forces have intensified their military operations in the eastern and northern suburbs of Gaza City, conducting extensive bombing raids that have razed numerous residential buildings. Witnesses have reported continuous explosions in areas like Zeitoun and Shejaia, while tanks shelled neighborhoods such as Sabra. The Israeli military stated that these operations aim to dismantle militant tunnels and achieve greater control over the Jabalia region, which is seen as critical for preventing Hamas from re-establishing military capabilities in these zones, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and The Jakarta Post.

As the situation escalates, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared a firm commitment to continue the offensive, threatening to completely raze Gaza City if Hamas does not comply with Israel's demands regarding hostages and ceasefire conditions. This aggressive stance has generated widespread concern internationally, with foreign leaders expressing alarm over the humanitarian implications of the ongoing conflict. Katz emphasized, "Gaza City will be razed unless Hamas agrees to end the war on Israel's terms," reflecting the tension both within Israel and among the global community, based on reports from Reuters, Channel News Asia, Channel News Asia, and The Jakarta Post.

The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza is exacerbated by reports of famine affecting the city and its surrounding areas, with the local health ministry indicating that conditions may worsen in the coming weeks. Citing a recent report from a global hunger monitor, a local analyst claimed that "Gaza City and surrounding areas are officially suffering from famine that will likely spread," a statement that has been vehemently disputed by Israeli authorities who argue that it overlooks humanitarian aid efforts initiated since late July. Indeed, the health ministry has reported that malnutrition has claimed the lives of at least 289 individuals, including 115 children, as the blockade and conflict hinder food access, according to Channel News Asia, Channel News Asia, and The Jakarta Post.

Local residents have expressed their despair amid the ongoing violence, with families caught between the peril of evacuation and the dangers of remaining in the city. Among them, a father of three lamented, "I stopped counting the times I had to take my wife and three daughters and leave my home in Gaza City," illustrating the turmoil faced by inhabitants amid the aerial bombardments. Others, like a mother of eight, voiced their intention to remain despite the risks, citing financial hardships that prevent them from escaping. "We are not leaving, let them bomb us at home," she stated, depicting the severe struggles of the community, as reported by Reuters, Channel News Asia, Channel News Asia, and The Jakarta Post.