Gaza City — Israeli forces have launched a full-scale ground assault into Gaza City, marking what military officials describe as the “main phase” of their campaign. The move follows weeks of heavy aerial bombardment and represents one of the most significant escalations of the conflict to date.
Military Push Into the City
Two Israeli divisions are reported to be advancing from multiple directions, with additional units expected to join in the coming days. The stated objective is to dismantle Hamas’s military infrastructure and secure key strongholds within the city. Heavy air and artillery strikes have already targeted high-rise buildings and residential areas, which Israel claims are being used by militants.
The offensive is designed to progress gradually, pushing from the outskirts toward the densely populated urban core. Military analysts warn that the coming days could see some of the most intense urban combat in years.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The assault has triggered massive civilian displacement. Thousands of families are attempting to flee southward, though many remain trapped in Gaza City due to limited transportation, lack of safe corridors, or fear of abandoning their homes. Conditions in designated “safe zones” are rapidly deteriorating, with overcrowding, food shortages, and limited medical care reported.
Residents describe the city as under constant fire from artillery, drones, and helicopters. The sound of tanks rolling into neighborhoods has heightened fear among those who remain. Human rights groups and international monitors warn that the humanitarian situation is on the brink of collapse.
Global Reaction
The operation has drawn mixed responses from the international community. While some allies have reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself, others have voiced alarm over the scale of destruction and the potential for high civilian casualties. Diplomats are urgently calling for restraint and renewed negotiations to secure hostage releases and prevent further escalation.
At the same time, aid agencies warn that hundreds of thousands could soon be displaced, overwhelming already fragile humanitarian systems. Calls for immediate humanitarian corridors and ceasefires are growing louder.
What Lies Ahead
The Israeli leadership insists that the ground offensive is essential to weakening Hamas and ensuring national security. However, the complexities of urban warfare — combined with the presence of civilians and the ongoing hostage crisis — mean the campaign is likely to be prolonged and costly.
Observers caution that the success of the operation will not be measured by military gains alone, but also by whether diplomatic solutions can prevent the conflict from spiraling further and worsening the humanitarian catastrophe.
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