The Israeli military launched a new offensive on Friday, calling Gaza’s largest city a combat zone.
Health officials reported 59 new deaths in 24 hours, raising the toll to 63,025.
Aid groups and a church vowed to remain in Gaza City, refusing to abandon displaced civilians.
Explosions and smoke rose across the border in southern Israel during the morning assault.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Israel must crush Hamas’s infrastructure to prevent future attacks.
Death Toll Rises Amid Worsening Hunger
The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed 63,025 people killed since the war began nearly 23 months ago.
Officials reported five more deaths from malnutrition within 24 hours, raising the starvation toll to 322.
That number includes 121 children, according to the ministry, which UN officials recognize as credible.
Israel disputes the figures but has not offered alternative statistics.
Residents described relentless bombardments despite international condemnation and humanitarian pauses.
Some displaced families built makeshift shelters near the Nuseirat refugee camp on Friday.
Israel Escalates With Expanded Offensive
Israel previously announced plans to widen its assault weeks ago, citing Hamas tunnels across Gaza City.
The army on Friday mobilized tens of thousands of reservists, signaling a larger military push.
Spokesperson Avichay Adraee promised intensified strikes until hostages return and Hamas is dismantled.
He urged civilians to evacuate south, calling displacement “inevitable.”
Israel briefly paused fighting last month, but aid groups said aid deliveries remained heavily restricted.
International agencies condemned the escalation, but Israel pressed forward despite growing global criticism.
