Israel Launches New Ground Offensive in Gaza City as Conflict Escalates
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel has initiated a new ground offensive into Gaza City, urging residents to evacuate southward as military operations intensify. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday that this operation represents a direct continuation of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” which had already been underway for weeks in southern and central Gaza. According to Israeli military officials, the previous phase successfully dismantled Hamas positions and cleared pathways for troops to advance northward into Gaza’s largest urban center. Multiple divisions have now begun what the IDF describes as an “expanded ground operation” designed to dismantle Hamas infrastructure, consolidate earlier territorial gains, and push deeper into the heart of Gaza City. This marks a critical new chapter in a conflict that has already devastated the region and displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
The latest assault follows an intensive week-long air campaign during which the Israeli Air Force reportedly struck more than 850 targets throughout Gaza City. Military spokespersons claim these strikes killed hundreds of Hamas fighters and destroyed infrastructure that could have impeded ground forces. Speaking anonymously, an Israeli military official estimated that approximately 2,000 to 3,000 Hamas militants remain in Gaza City, along with an extensive network of underground tunnels. The preparatory bombardment was apparently designed to degrade Hamas’s defensive capabilities and prepare the battlefield for advancing ground troops. Palestinian residents reported heavy strikes across Gaza City on Tuesday morning, with Shifa Hospital receiving the bodies of 34 people killed in the strikes by noon, according to hospital official Dr. Rami Mhanna. Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiyah, Shifa’s director, described it as “a very tough night in Gaza” where “the bombing did not stop for a single moment,” highlighting the intensity of the military operation and its immediate human cost.
The humanitarian situation has rapidly deteriorated as tens of thousands of civilians attempt to flee the combat zone. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman, warned residents that Gaza City has become a “dangerous combat zone” and urged immediate evacuation “via the Al-Rashid corridor south of Wadi Gaza.” The IDF estimates that approximately 350,000 people—roughly one-third of Gaza City’s pre-offensive population—have already fled the area. This figure differs from the United Nations’ estimate that more than 220,000 Palestinians have evacuated northern Gaza over the past month following Israeli warnings. Tuesday witnessed long lines of traffic stretching down Gaza’s coastal road, with vehicles piled high with mattresses and belongings, while many others fled on foot with whatever possessions they could carry. The scenes of mass displacement underscore the profound humanitarian crisis unfolding alongside the military operations, as families are forced to abandon their homes with uncertain prospects of return.
The military operation involves several frontline IDF divisions, demonstrating the scale of Israel’s commitment to this new phase of the conflict. “In the past day, IDF troops in the Southern Command from the 98th, 162nd, and 36th Divisions, both in mandatory and reserve service, have begun expanded ground operations in Gaza City as part of Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots II,'” the military announced. “The Gaza Division is operating in the security zone along the border facing the western Negev communities and operating in the Rafah and Khan Yunis areas, while the 99th Division is operating in the northern Gaza Strip.” This detailed breakdown of military deployment indicates a comprehensive strategy to control multiple areas simultaneously, suggesting a determination to achieve decisive military objectives despite international concerns about civilian casualties and humanitarian consequences. The offensive marks yet another escalation in a conflict that has destabilized the Middle East, with prospects for a ceasefire seeming increasingly remote despite months of diplomatic efforts.
As military operations intensify on the ground, diplomatic activities continue in parallel, though with little apparent progress toward ending hostilities. The U.S. State Department reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Doha with Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. During these discussions, Rubio reaffirmed U.S.–Qatar ties and expressed gratitude for Qatar’s ongoing efforts to facilitate an end to the war in Gaza and secure the release of all hostages. He also reiterated America’s support for Qatar’s security and sovereignty. These diplomatic engagements highlight the international dimension of the conflict, with various regional and global powers attempting to influence its course while balancing their own strategic interests and alliances. The meetings in Doha represent just one facet of the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding the Gaza conflict.
The latest phase of fighting comes at an enormous human cost that continues to mount with each passing day. Healthcare facilities in Gaza, already severely strained by months of conflict and shortages of essential supplies, are struggling to cope with the influx of wounded civilians. The testimony from medical professionals on the ground paints a devastating picture of overwhelmed hospitals and limited resources to treat the injured. Meanwhile, the mass evacuation has created new humanitarian challenges, with displaced families facing uncertain futures and inadequate shelter, food, and medical care. As the conflict enters this new and potentially more destructive phase, the international community faces growing pressure to find a path toward de-escalation and humanitarian relief. However, with military operations intensifying and political positions hardening on all sides, the prospects for an immediate resolution appear increasingly distant, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire to bear the heaviest burden of this protracted and devastating conflict.
