Israel's Defense Minister warned that the "gates of hell" are opening in Gaza, as Israeli forces struck the Mushtaha Tower, a residential high-rise in a densely populated area of Gaza City, on Friday, Reuters reports.
The military said it plans to strike additional multistory buildings as part of its intensifying campaign to seize control of the Gaza Strip.
The building's management has rejected Israeli claims that Hamas was operating from the site.
The strike left survivors with no choice but to flee, many escaping with only the clothes on their backs.
"The bombing happened while we were in the street. We could not evacuate our belongings, including the few basic items we use. We left with nothing, and now, as you see, we are out in the open without any possessions or personal items," said Yasser Arafat, a displaced Palestinian who used to live in the building.
Witnesses on the ground saw the attack as evidence of an intensifying Israeli strategy targeting civilian buildings.
"The attacks against us have intensified, especially targeting towers and apartment buildings today. Just a short while ago, they bombed the Mushtaha Tower, which is one of the tall towers. Around us, more towers are also under threat of being bombed today. The strikes are now focused on tall towers and residential buildings," said Nael Oqeila, a displaced Palestinian who was in the vicinity when the building was destroyed.
Israeli airstrikes killed at least 44 people in Gaza on Friday, including seven children, with many of the attacks centered in Gaza City.
