by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff
JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Israel’s military campaign in Gaza intensified Monday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had already demolished 50 high-rise “terror towers” and warned that the bombardment was only the prelude to a full-scale ground assault on Gaza City.
Speaking from the Israeli Air Force’s underground operations command, Netanyahu said the strikes of the past 48 hours were part of a broader plan to dismantle Hamas’s last stronghold.
“I promised you a few days ago that we would destroy Gaza’s terror towers. This is exactly what we are doing,” he said in a video statement. “In the past two days, 50 of these towers have fallen. The air force brought them down. Now all of this is just an introduction, just a prelude, to the main intense operation — a ground maneuver of our forces, who are now organizing and gathering in Gaza City.”
Netanyahu issued a direct warning to civilians still in the area. “Listen to me carefully — you have been warned. Get out of there!” he said.
The IDF confirmed it struck the al-Ruwaia tower later in the day, saying Hamas had converted the building into a hub for explosives, surveillance, and operational planning. The army reported the facility had been used repeatedly by the terrorist group during the conflict.
Palestinian media described the bombardment across Gaza City as creating a “fire belt,” with apartment blocks struck shortly after residents were ordered to evacuate.
In Arabic-language announcements, IDF spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee urged civilians to evacuate blocks 783-786 and nearby camps around Gamal Abdel Nasser Street, directing them south toward Khan Younis, designated as a humanitarian zone.
Defense Minister Israel Katz also foreshadowed heavier strikes, warning Hamas on X that they must release the hostages and surrender. “Today a mighty hurricane will strike over Gaza City and the rooftops of the terror towers will shake,” Katz wrote.
Netanyahu concluded his remarks with a vow to dismantle all remaining strongholds. “We will destroy all nests of terror,” he said. “This is just the opening act. The army will expand its maneuver to bring Gaza to a decisive defeat.”
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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