, Sept. 2 -- Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Monday left at least 31 people dead as the military pushed forward with its offensive in the territory's largest city, according to health officials. At the same time, leading genocide scholars accused Israel of committing genocide, charges the Israeli government strongly denies.

Explosions from artillery and airstrikes shook Gaza City after Israel declared it a combat zone last week. Residents in Jabaliya refugee camp and the city's outskirts said explosive-laden robots were being used to destroy buildings.

"Another merciless night in Gaza City," said Saeed Abu Elaish, a medic originally from Jabaliya who is sheltering in the city's northwest.

Health officials reported that at l...