Israel has initiated a significant ground offensive in Gaza City, urging residents to evacuate southward as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) aim to establish tighter control over the territory. This operation is an extension of the ongoing campaign known as Operation Gideon’s Chariots, which has been active in southern and central Gaza for weeks. The military action seeks to dismantle Hamas positions and facilitate the advancement of Israeli troops into Gaza City’s urban landscape. The IDF’s expanded operation intends to dismantle Hamas infrastructure, solidify previous gains, and penetrate deeper into the city.
The recent escalation follows a week of intense Israeli airstrikes, which targeted more than 850 locations in Gaza City, purportedly resulting in the deaths of numerous Hamas fighters and significant damage to the area’s infrastructure. These airstrikes are described as preparatory measures designed to weaken Hamas’s defenses ahead of the ground offensive. An anonymous Israeli military official estimated that between 2,000 to 3,000 Hamas militants remain in Gaza City, taking refuge within an extensive network of tunnels that crisscross the region. This military push represents a worrying escalation in a conflict that has already seen extensive levels of violence, raising doubts about any potential ceasefire after months of diplomatic efforts.
Local residents reported heavy bombardment throughout Gaza City, with Shifa Hospital receiving numerous casualties, including 34 confirmed fatalities on Tuesday alone. Hospital officials described the relentless nature of the airstrikes, indicating a perilous situation for those remaining in the city. The IDF has categorized Gaza City as a “dangerous combat zone” and has urged residents to evacuate. An IDF spokesman pointed out that over 40% of the city’s populace, estimated at approximately 350,000 people before the offensive, has already fled to safer areas, contradicting a U.N. estimate that noted more than 220,000 Palestinians had evacuated northern Gaza in anticipation of military action.
Traffic jams filled Gaza’s coastal roads as families fled, overloaded with personal belongings. The IDF has mobilized several frontline divisions, including the 98th, 162nd, and 36th Divisions, for the new phase of operations in Gaza City, specifically described as Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots II.’ These divisions are engaged in various operational areas, including the security zone along the border and regions like Rafah and Khan Yunis, while the 99th Division focuses on the northern Gaza Strip. The extensive military mobilization highlights the IDF’s commitment to intensifying their operations in the region.
In parallel to the military escalation, diplomatic efforts continue as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Qatari leaders in Doha. The discussions emphasized the importance of U.S.–Qatar relations and acknowledged Qatar’s role in seeking a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Rubio expressed gratitude for Qatar’s efforts aimed at facilitating peace and securing the return of hostages, reiterating the United States’ dedication to Qatari sovereignty and security amidst the growing tensions in the region.
As the offensive unfolds, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The relentless bombardment and military actions have contributed to an already dire scenario for civilians caught in the crossfire. Amidst calls for evacuation and worsening conditions, the escalating violence reflects deep-rooted tensions that have defined the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for decades. As both military operations and diplomatic maneuvers progress, the ramifications of this conflict extend far beyond the immediate region, raising concerns about stability in the broader Middle East and the humanitarian crisis faced by countless civilians.
