Israeli Military Begins Ground Offensive in Gaza City
GAZA — Chaos ensues as Palestinians scramble to escape parts of Gaza City amid the Israeli military’s commencement of a planned ground offensive, according to city officials.
Israel’s troops have secured a foothold on the outskirts of the city, home to over a million Palestinians, following days of relentless bombing and artillery fire.
The UN Secretary General, António Guterres, has urgently called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent the inevitable death and destruction that an assault would bring.
Despite facing international condemnation, Israel is determined to push forward with its mission to capture all of Gaza City.
Hundreds of Palestinians in the Zeitoun and Sabra neighborhoods of Gaza City have fled towards the north-western part of the city.
Residents of Gaza City have described the overnight bombardments as unrelenting, with the sound of explosions, artillery, warplanes, and cries for help echoing through the night.
“The house shakes with us all night long — the sound of explosions, artillery, warplanes, ambulances, and cries for help is killing us,” Ahmad al-Shanti told news agency AFP.
“The sound is getting closer, but where would we go?”
Amal Abdel-Aal, who was displaced from her home in Sabra a week ago, witnessed the strikes hitting the area.
“No one in Gaza has slept, not last night, not for a week. The artillery and air strikes in the east never stop. The sky flashes all night long,” she said.
Israel’s Aggressive Tactics and International Backlash
An Israeli military spokesman confirmed that troops were already on the ground in the Zeitoun and Jabalia areas, laying the groundwork for the offensive approved by Defence Minister Israel Katz.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to expedite the capture of what he refers to as “the last terror strongholds” in Gaza.
However, Hamas accuses Israel of waging a brutal war against innocent civilians in Gaza City and shows disregard for ceasefire proposals from regional mediators.
About 60,000 Israeli reservists have been called up for duty to support the operation.
While Israel’s allies have condemned the plan, with French President Emmanuel Macron warning of disastrous consequences, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Israel’s Intentions and Ongoing Hostilities
Israel’s government has announced its intention to conquer the entire Gaza Strip following failed ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.
Speaking at a briefing, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin emphasized the need to weaken Hamas in Gaza City, a stronghold of governmental and military terror for the organization.
The IDF has already begun preliminary actions on the ground in Gaza City, with troops holding the outskirts of the city.
Reports indicate that Israeli strikes and fire have claimed the lives of 25 people in Gaza, including children and their parents.
The ICRC has warned of a catastrophic situation for Palestinian civilians and hostages if military activities escalate further.
Call for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Assistance
The ICRC and the UN Secretary General have called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Mediators from Qatar and Egypt are working to secure a ceasefire deal, with a proposal for a 60-day truce and the release of some hostages on the table.
Israel has yet to respond formally to the proposal but insists on a comprehensive agreement for the release of all hostages.
Hamas, on the other hand, accuses Netanyahu of obstructing the ceasefire proposal and disregarding the efforts of mediators.
Escalating Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza began in response to a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages.
Since then, thousands have been killed in Gaza, with the health ministry’s figures serving as a reliable source of statistics on casualties. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the population facing increasing displacement and suffering.
