Israeli Airstrike Destroys Gaza High-Rise, Killing Dozens

An Israeli airstrike has destroyed a high-rise building in Gaza City, marking the second such attack in two days. At least 56 Palestinians, including civilians seeking aid, were killed in recent strikes, as Israel urged residents to move to designated “humanitarian zones” in the south of the territory.

On Saturday, Israel issued evacuation warnings for two high-rise buildings in Gaza City and surrounding tent areas. Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee claimed that the buildings were targeted because they housed or were near Hamas infrastructure, though no evidence was provided. Shortly afterward, he confirmed that one of the buildings had been hit.

Hamas denied the claims, calling them “baseless lies” and stating that the buildings were purely residential.

Residents of Sousi Tower, a prominent 15-story building, told the Associated Press that they were given roughly 20 minutes to gather their belongings before the Israeli airstrike leveled the structure.

“Suddenly, we were sitting at home and people started shouting,” said resident Aida Abu Kas, describing the panic. “Some said it was a lie, others said it was real. We went out and didn’t know what to do.”

There was no immediate report on casualties from the Sousi Tower strike.

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, shared a video showing the collapse of Sousi Tower in a massive cloud of smoke.