Tue Sep 16 23:52:43 UTC 2025: ## Israel Intensifies Gaza Offensive, UN Report Accuses Israel of Genocide

**Gaza City -** The Israeli military has intensified its offensive on Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of at least 91 people on Tuesday alone and forcing tens of thousands to flee. The United Nations chief has described the situation as “horrendous.”

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as residents, many of whom had initially pledged to remain, fled under heavy bombardment. Columns of vehicles and people on foot streamed down the coastal al-Rashid Street, carrying what belongings they could salvage against a backdrop of smoke billowing from the devastated city.

“Gaza is burning,” Israeli Minister of Defence Israel Katz stated on X.

Health authorities reported that an Israeli airstrike hit a vehicle carrying civilians attempting to escape. At least 17 residential buildings and the Aybaki Mosque were destroyed. The Israeli army is also utilizing explosive-laden robots to demolish areas throughout the city.

Estimates vary on the number of residents who remain in Gaza City. While an Israeli army official claims 350,000 have fled, Gaza’s Government Media Office reports that 190,000 have left the city altogether, with an additional 350,000 displaced to other areas within Gaza City.

Those fleeing face dire conditions in the south, with the already overcrowded al-Mawasi camp, previously struck by Israeli forces, struggling to accommodate the influx of displaced people.

The Israeli army has acknowledged that it will take “several months” to control Gaza City. “No matter how long it takes, we will operate in Gaza,” an army spokesperson stated.

The intensified offensive comes as the United Nations Commission of Inquiry released a landmark report accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. The report cites statements from Israeli officials to demonstrate the “specific intent” to destroy Palestinians as a people.

Palestine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the report and called for immediate action to avert a humanitarian catastrophe.

International criticism of Israel’s actions is growing. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the war as morally, politically, and legally intolerable. France’s Foreign Ministry urged Israel to halt its “destructive campaign” and resume negotiations. Irish President Michael D. Higgins condemned those “practicing genocide” and their supporters, calling for potential sanctions and exclusion from the United Nations.

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