Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:59am on 05 Sep 2025,Friday International
Israel announces control of 40% of Gaza City, vowing to "expand and intensify" its offensive in coming days as Palestinian death toll climbs. Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin pledged to "increase pressure" on Hamas until defeated, following Thursday strikes that killed over 30 in Gaza City and 64 across the Strip. Senior Israeli officials expect the escalated offensive to displace one million Palestinians southward from Gaza City, where UN declared famine last month. European Commission VP Teresa Ribera called the conflict "genocide," criticizing EU inaction. Hamas's October 2023 attack killed 1,219 Israelis, while Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 64,231 Palestinians according to Gaza health ministry. Hamas officials met Iran's Foreign Minister in Doha discussing war termination efforts. (PC: Reuters)
