Israel’s military on Wednesday announced the launch of the first phase of its long-anticipated operation to seize Gaza City, escalating a nearly two-year conflict that has already devastated the Palestinian enclave.
Brigadier General Effie Defrin, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, said troops were now holding the outskirts of the city and that Hamas had been reduced to a “battered and bruised” guerrilla force. “We will deepen the attack on Hamas in Gaza City, a stronghold of governmental and military terror for the terrorist organization,” Defrin told reporters.
The military has called up tens of thousands of reservists in preparation for the assault, though officials had initially said they would not report until September, a timeline that could have left space for mediators to negotiate a truce.
However, clashes on Wednesday between Israeli soldiers and Hamas fighters near Khan Younis prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accelerate the campaign, saying the goal was to dismantle Hamas’ remaining strongholds.
The escalation comes as Israel weighs a ceasefire proposal brokered by Arab mediators. Hamas has accepted a 60-day truce plan that would see the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Israel, however, insists that all 50 remaining hostages, of whom authorities believe about 20 are alive, must be released at once. Hamas has countered that only an end to the war would secure the hostages’ freedom.
Hamas fighters mounted a fierce raid southeast of Khan Younis on Wednesday, emerging from tunnels and attacking Israeli forces with anti-tank missiles and gunfire. According to the IDF, one soldier was severely wounded and two others sustained light injuries. Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility, saying one fighter detonated explosives at close range during the hours-long battle.
International concern is mounting over Israel’s push into Gaza City, where heavy urban warfare is expected to displace thousands more Palestinians. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem reported that neighbourhoods around Gaza’s only Catholic church had begun receiving evacuation orders. Israel says civilians will be given routes to leave battle zones before any offensive begins.
The war, which began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault that killed around 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 hostages taken, has left Gaza in ruins. More than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli bombardments and ground operations since then, according to Gaza health officials, who say most of the dead are women and children.
Meanwhile, far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition continue to push for an uncompromising military approach. On Wednesday, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced final approval of a new settlement project in the occupied West Bank, drawing international condemnation. Smotrich said the move would “erase any prospect of a Palestinian state.”
Despite growing diplomatic pressure, Israel controls about 75% of Gaza and insists it will not halt operations until Hamas is dismantled. Opinion polls, however, show many Israelis support a ceasefire deal if it ensures the release of hostages, with tens of thousands rallying in Tel Aviv last weekend to urge the government to act.
A new Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 58% of Americans support recognising Palestine as a nation, highlighting growing international frustration with the prolonged war.
Written By Rodney Mbua
