The Israeli army escorted a group of international journalists through parts of Gaza City on Friday, offering a rare, closely supervised look at a city devastated by nearly two years of war.
An armored vehicle moved through deserted streets lined with shattered buildings. Soldiers pointed out a recently discovered tunnel allegedly used by Hamas near a hospital that was once run by the Jordanian government.
According to the Israeli military, the latest operation aims to eliminate remaining Hamas strongholds while minimizing civilian casualties. However, access for independent verification remains tightly restricted as Israel continues to bar journalists from entering Gaza except under military supervision.
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The tour took place along the Netzarim corridor, a heavily militarized zone dividing northern and southern Gaza. Most hospitals in Gaza have stopped functioning, and the World Health Organization says only 14 out of 36 remain partially operational.
Israeli officials said their current campaign in Gaza City seeks to pressure civilians to move south, while preparations are underway for a U.S.-brokered ceasefire plan proposed by President Donald Trump.
Source: AP