Israeli Air Strikes Intensify as UN Inquiry Declares Genocide

Israeli air strikes and artillery shelling intensified in Gaza City on March 12, 2024, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life. This escalation coincided with a United Nations inquiry that concluded Israel is committing acts of genocide against Palestinians in the besieged enclave. Thick black smoke filled the sky above the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood, as the sounds of fighter jets, helicopter fire, and explosions reverberated across the city.

In a marked escalation of military operations, Israeli forces announced a “new phase” in their ongoing campaign, which has persisted for 22 months. This latest assault follows a series of intense aerial attacks on neighborhoods including Zeitoun and Sheikh Radwan. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz expressed support for the operation, stating on X, “Gaza [City] is burning.” He emphasized that the Israeli military is targeting what it describes as “terror infrastructure” with unwavering resolve.

The day began with five powerful explosions that illuminated streets already scarred by prior attacks. According to medical officials, at least 90 fatalities were reported, with many more individuals injured or missing beneath the rubble. The assault extended to various districts, including central Rimal and Daraj, as well as the eastern Sabra neighborhood and the western areas of Sheikh Ejleen and Nasr. Thousands of Palestinians fled southward, often carrying only the clothes on their backs.

The humanitarian crisis deepened as families sought refuge outside al-Quds Hospital on Tel al-Hawa Street. Many struggled to transport essential belongings such as suitcases and mattresses to the facility, which is overwhelmed with patients. The Ministry of Health noted “severe overcrowding in emergency departments” and highlighted the critical shortages of medical supplies and blood units.

International leaders expressed grave concern over the escalating violence. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the situation as “horrendous,” describing the widespread destruction and civilian casualties as “morally, politically, and legally intolerable.” He remarked, “We are seeing massive destruction of neighborhoods, now the systematic destruction of Gaza City.”

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul characterized Israel’s military escalation as “a step in the completely wrong direction.” Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warned that the assault “will only bring more bloodshed.” European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed these sentiments, stating that the ongoing offensive would exacerbate an already dire situation, leading to “more death, more destruction, and more displacement.”

This heightened violence occurred on the same day that the UN’s top investigative body on Palestine and Israel published a report asserting that Israel is guilty of genocide. The 72-page document detailed findings that Israel had committed four of the five acts prohibited under the 1948 Genocide Convention, indicating an intent to destroy the Palestinian population in Gaza as a group. These conclusions align with similar reports from Palestinian, Israeli, and international rights organizations.

As the conflict continues to rage, the humanitarian situation in Gaza becomes increasingly critical, with urgent calls from international leaders for de-escalation and protection of civilians amidst the ongoing violence.