GAZA CITY — The Israeli military bombed and destroyed the Al-Kawthar residential tower in western Gaza City on Sunday, escalating its campaign to seize control of the city.

Witnesses said fighter jets struck the tower shortly after the army issued immediate evacuation orders for its residents and for nearby tents.

The army has targeted multiple high-rise buildings across Gaza City while ordering residents to move south to Al-Mawasi in Khan Younis, designated by Israel as a “safe humanitarian zone.”

According to Palestinian officials, that zone has been hit by Israeli fire more than 100 times, killing hundreds of civilians.

Gaza’s Government Media Office said the army has destroyed 1,600 towers and residential buildings in Gaza City since Aug. 11, along with 13,000 tents, displacing more than 100,000 people. Most residents are now crowded into western neighborhoods, which have come under intense bombardment since Friday.

Israel’s war in Gaza, which began after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack, has killed more than 64,800 Palestinians and left the enclave devastated and facing famine.

Israel is also defending itself against a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its military campaign. — Agencies