Israel has initiated the first stages of its ground invasion
of Gaza City, mobilising some 60,000 reservists for the operation, as the
Israel Occupation Forces (IOF) aim to dismantle Hamas’s stronghold. This
offensive occurs amidst ongoing hostage negotiations, international concern about
humanitarian crises, and widespread Palestinian displacement.
Israel Commences Military Operation in Gaza City
As reported by Brigadier-General Effie Defrin, the IDF
spokesman, Israel Occupation Forces (IOF) have begun the ground invasion of Gaza City,
controlling its outskirts as part of an expanded offensive against Hamas's
final bastions in the territory. The operation, codenamed "Gideon's
Chariots II," received approval from Defence Minister Israel Katz and
involves calling up approximately 60,000 reservists with service lengths
extended for an additional 20,000 troops already deployed.
Military sources indicate that Israeli troops are advancing
into neighbourhoods like Zeitoun and Jabaliya, previously less accessible,
targeting Hamas militants and an extensive network of underground tunnels.
Although much of Hamas's senior leadership has been killed, the group remains
active and capable of launching rocket attacks toward Israel, necessitating
this renewed offensive according to military officials.
Purpose and Timing of the Operation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated
that the main objectives are to secure the release of the remaining hostages
held by Hamas and ensure the militant group’s lasting incapacity to threaten
Israel. The armed campaign follows nearly two years of conflict that began with
Hamas's surprise attack in October 2023, which escalated into a full-scale war
with Israel launching a massive invasion and aerial bombardment of the Gaza
Strip.
While the exact timing remains uncertain, officials
anticipate the operation to intensify in the near term, with preparations
already under way involving deployment of armoured vehicles and ground troops
in key Gaza City districts. Netanyahu’s government faces pressure both from
reservists and families of hostages, some of whom urge caution, fearing the
operation may jeopardise the lives of up to 50 hostages reportedly still held
within Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Conflict
Human rights organisations and international observers have
condemned the operation as exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in
Gaza. The enclave is densely populated, with an estimated one million
Palestinians sheltering in Gaza City as escalating bombardments destroy homes
and critical infrastructure. The United Nations and NGOs warn of worsening
famine and severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and shelter.
Amnesty International has accused Israel of imposing a
deliberate starvation policy, claiming an intent to systematically undermine
the health and social fabric of Palestinian life through blockade and
bombardment, deepening civilian suffering.
Mass Displacement and Civilian Toll
Thousands of Palestinians have fled neighbourhoods such as
Zeitoun amid relentless Israeli airstrikes and advancing ground forces.
Satellite imagery analysed by Sky News revealed large tent camps once
sheltering displaced families being abandoned as residents flee impending
military advances. The destruction of homes and displacement centres has
further fuelled fears of ethnic cleansing of parts of Gaza.
According to Gaza’s local authorities controlled by Hamas,
at least 40 civilians died during recent Israeli attacks in Zeitoun alone, and
many survivors report constant explosions and a lack of rest or safety. The UN
Security Council has condemned the forced displacement plans by Israeli
authorities, who intend to relocate Gaza City's residents southwards for safety
— a plan viewed by critics as a form of ethnic cleansing.
Israeli Society's Divisions and Criticism
Within Israel, protests and a nationwide strike have emerged
as families of hostages and some reservists question the protracted conflict
and government strategy. Some argue that political objectives are extending the
war unnecessarily, while others are concerned that increased military
operations in Gaza City could endanger hostages further.
International Context and Historical Background
The current offensive represents a continuation of
hostilities triggered by the Hamas assault on Israel in October 2023. Following
that initial attack, Israel mobilised hundreds of thousands of reservists and
launched multi-phase operations, including airstrikes and ground incursions
into Gaza. Casualty figures in Gaza have been disproportionately high with
reports estimating over 50,000 deaths by early 2025, many of them civilians
including children.