Jerusalem, Sep 22: Israeli forces intensified their ground offensive in Gaza City on Monday, even as world leaders gathered in New York for the United Nations General Assembly and more countries signaled readiness to recognize a Palestinian state.
The operation, launched last Tuesday, marks a major escalation in a nearly two-year war that has devastated Gaza's largest city, leaving hundreds of thousands trapped amid widespread destruction and famine.
On Monday, the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of the Jordanian field hospital in Tal al-Hawa, southwest Gaza City.
According to Dr. Muneer al-Boush, Director General of the Gaza Health Ministry, the hospital currently houses at least 300 patients, along with medical staff and family members.
Residents reported that Israeli troops were closing in on the area, with many families sheltering nearby unable to flee due to the fighting.
While the Israeli army has previously called for all civilians to evacuate Gaza City and move south, it has now extended evacuation orders to humanitarian sites, except hospitals.
However, with hospitals now being asked to leave, concerns are mounting over the safety of medical facilities and the broader humanitarian crisis unfolding in the territory.
The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the hospital evacuation.
The timing of the offensive coincides with growing international pressure on Israel.
In Paris, the Eiffel Tower displayed both Israeli and Palestinian flags, along with a dove and olive branch, in a symbolic call for peace.
Mayor Anne Hidalgo said the projection expressed Paris' support for French President Emmanuel Macron's upcoming recognition of a Palestinian state and emphasized the city's commitment to a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, in Italy, a 24-hour general strike disrupted public transport, schools, and ports in solidarity with Gaza's civilians.
Organized by grassroots unions, the strike condemned the "inertia" of Italy and the EU in addressing the violence in Gaza. Demonstrations and sit-ins accompanied the strike across the country.
In a related move, Italian authorities at the port of Ravenna blocked a shipment of explosives bound for Israel, following an appeal by local officials.
Ravenna's mayor, Alessandro Barattoni, urged the national government to take a clear stance against facilitating arms transfers amid the ongoing conflict. (AP)