DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Israel conducted a strike on a high-rise building in Gaza City on Friday, intensifying its military operations aimed at taking control of the area. The Israeli military warned residents to evacuate before the attack, which targeted the Mushtaha Tower in the Rimal neighborhood, an area previously known for its upscale residences.

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that this strike marks the beginning of a broader offensive, asserting, "when the door opens it will not close," indicating an increase in military activity. This escalation follows Israel's mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists and repeated evacuation warnings, which have drawn both domestic opposition and international condemnation.

Residents reported that the Mushtaha Tower had already suffered damage from previous strikes. Photos taken before the attack showed significant destruction to the building's roof. The Israeli military claimed the tower was being used by Hamas for surveillance purposes.

Gaza City has been declared a combat zone, with parts of the city designated as "red zones" where residents are ordered to evacuate ahead of anticipated heavy fighting. Many residents are anxious, especially those who returned after initially fleeing the conflict. The cost of moving is high, and finding shelter in the overcrowded southern areas is challenging.

Ahmed al-Boari, a resident of Gaza City, noted that the building had become a refuge for displaced families seeking safety from ongoing military operations. He criticized the military for not allowing sufficient time for people to evacuate before the strike. The number of casualties from the attack remains unclear.

The ongoing offensive has also sparked protests in Israel, where many citizens are concerned about the safety of hostages still held by Hamas. Currently, 48 hostages are believed to be in captivity, with 20 thought to be alive.

On Friday, Hamas released a video featuring two hostages, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel, in Gaza City. In the video, Gilboa-Dalal, appearing under duress, pleaded for an end to the conflict and for the return of hostages. He was last seen in a video over six months ago during a ceasefire.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties. Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, during their attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. In retaliation, Israeli military actions have reportedly resulted in over 64,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ongoing violence continues to raise concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region.