IDF strikes second Gaza high-rise, citing Hamas use
Second Tower Flattened: What Happened in Gaza City
Israel Strikes Second High-Rise Amid Rising Tensions – For the second day in a row, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a targeted airstrike on a high-rise building in Gaza City, claiming it was being used by Hamas operatives for surveillance and planning attacks. The building, known as Sussi Tower, collapsed in a cloud of smoke and debris on September 6, 2025, following prior warnings issued to residents.
According to the IDF, Hamas had installed intelligence-gathering equipment, observation posts, and explosive devices in and around the tower. The military stated that the structure posed a direct threat to Israeli troops operating nearby and that steps were taken to minimize harm to civilians, including evacuation notices and precision strikes.
This strike follows a similar attack the previous day on Mushtaha Tower, also in Gaza City, which Israel claimed was used for Hamas surveillance. Both operations are part of a broader military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure in the region.
Warnings and Evacuations: Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
Before the strike, the IDF dropped leaflets and issued social media alerts urging residents to evacuate to Al-Mawasi, a designated “humanitarian zone” in southern Gaza. Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that civilians moving to Al-Mawasi would receive food, medical care, and shelter.
However, humanitarian groups and local residents have raised concerns. Reports indicate that Al-Mawasi is overcrowded, with limited access to clean water, medical supplies, and safe shelter. Tragically, five children were reportedly killed while queuing for water in the area earlier this week.
Many Gazans say they feel trapped, with no truly safe place to go. “Wherever we go, death pursues us, whether by bombing or hunger,” said one resident sheltering in Rimal. The situation highlights the complex humanitarian crisis unfolding alongside the military operations.
Israel’s Justification: Targeting Hamas Strongholds
Israel’s government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has declared Gaza City a combat zone, stating that Hamas uses civilian buildings to hide military operations. Defense Minister Israel Katz posted a video of the Sussi Tower’s collapse, writing “We’re continuing,” signalling that more strikes may follow.
The IDF claims its actions are part of a precise campaign to eliminate Hamas’s last strongholds and protect Israeli forces. Officials argue that Hamas deliberately embeds its infrastructure within densely populated areas, making it difficult to avoid civilian casualties.
Despite these claims, Hamas has denied using the targeted buildings for military purposes. International observers have urged both sides to respect international humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of civilians.
Global Reaction and What Comes Next
The strikes have drawn international concern, with calls for restraint and renewed efforts toward a ceasefire. Human rights organizations warn that continued attacks on urban areas could worsen the humanitarian crisis and lead to more civilian deaths.
Meanwhile, inside Israel, protests have erupted over the government’s handling of the war. Families of hostages still held in Gaza fear that the offensive may endanger their loved ones. Some accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the conflict for political reasons.
As tensions rise, the IDF has mobilized tens of thousands of reservists, signalling that the campaign may escalate further. The coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomacy or continued conflict will shape the future of Gaza and the broader region.
The destruction of two high-rise towers in Gaza City marks a dangerous escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict. While Israel insists the strikes are necessary to dismantle terrorist infrastructure, the human cost continues to grow. With civilians caught in the middle and international pressure mounting, the world watches anxiously for signs of resolution or further devastation.
Also read: Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Deepens: Israel’s Evacuation Orders and the Tragedy of Aid Seekers
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