Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters-contracted cameraman, was killed in Israeli strikes and fellow Reuters contractor Hatem Khaled was wounded. The Israeli military and Prime Minister's Office offered no comment. Israeli planes and tanks struck Gaza City's eastern and northern outskirts overnight, destroying homes and prompting some families to flee. The military said forces returned to Jabalia to dismantle tunnels and strengthen control, preventing Hamas militants from returning. Israel approved a plan to seize Gaza City and Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed to press the offensive, saying Gaza City will be razed unless Hamas ends the war on Israel's terms and releases hostages. Hamas said only a ceasefire would enable hostage returns.
Witnesses reported the sound of explosions non-stop overnight in the areas of Zeitoun and Shejaia, while tanks shelled houses and roads in the nearby Sabra neighbourhood and several buildings were blown up in the northern town of Jabalia. Fire lit the skies from the direction of the explosions, causing panic, prompting some families to stream out of the city. Others said they would prefer to die and not leave.
Cameraman Hussam al-Masri, one of the journalists killed in the strikes according to the officials, was a contractor for Reuters. Photographer Hatem Khaled, who was also a Reuters contractor, was wounded, the officials said. The Israeli military and Prime Minister's Office both had no immediate comment regarding the strikes. This latest bombing comes amid Israeli planes and tanks pounding the eastern and northern outskirts of Gaza City overnight this past weekend, destroying buildings and homes, residents said,
Israel approved a plan this month to seize control of Gaza City, describing it as the last bastion of Hamas militants. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz on Sunday vowed to press on with the offensive on the city where famine has been declared, which has raised alarm abroad and objections at home. Katz has said that Gaza City will be razed unless Hamas agrees to end the war on Israel's terms and release all hostages.
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