Israel has launched a major ground offensive in Gaza City
amid ongoing conflict, ordering residents to evacuate the area immediately. The
assault marks a significant escalation in the conflict, with both military and
humanitarian consequences unfolding rapidly.
Israel begins ground invasion in Gaza City
The Israeli military launched a ground assault on Gaza City
as part of an intensified offensive against Hamas targets within the territory.
According to reports by Sky News journalist Mark Stone, Israeli forces crossed
into Gaza following weeks of aerial bombardments and rocket exchanges. The
offensive aims to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and reclaim control over key
urban areas.
Residents in Gaza City have been urgently ordered to flee
the area to avoid the advancing Israeli troops. As reported by BBC
correspondent Jeremy Bowen, the evacuation order came with little time for
preparation, causing widespread fear and chaos among civilians.
Military objectives and strategy
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) spokesperson Brigadier General Daniel Hagari stated to Euronews journalist Anna Walker that the ground operation is focused on crippling Hamas’s command centres, weapon depots, and tunnel networks beneath the city.
“We are aiming to halt the terror infrastructure while minimising civilian casualties,” Hagari said.
Despite official announcements of efforts to protect
civilians, intense clashes have erupted throughout Gaza City’s densely
populated districts. Sky News reporter Salma Shah highlighted the challenges of
urban warfare amid narrow streets and civilian presence, making the conflict
highly complex and dangerous.
International response and humanitarian concerns
The international community has reacted with urgent calls
for de-escalation. The United Nations has expressed deep concern about the
humanitarian impact of the current offensive, warning of potential mass
casualties and worsening humanitarian conditions.
According to BBC coverage, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged all parties to protect civilians and allow unhindered access for humanitarian aid.
“The people of Gaza must not be forgotten amid the violence,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, international aid organisations report
significant difficulties in delivering assistance due to security risks and
movement restrictions. Euronews journalist Leila Mansour reported that
hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed with the injured, facing critical shortages
of medical supplies.
Civilian impacts and displacement
Thousands of Gaza City residents are fleeing their homes,
seeking safety in other parts of Gaza or in makeshift shelters. As BBC field
correspondent Sami al-Jarrah described, many families are forced to abandon
belongings and overcrowd temporary shelters, highlighting the dire humanitarian
situation.
There are widespread reports of power outages, water
shortages, and damage to essential civilian infrastructure, complicating
survival for non-combatants caught in the conflict zone. Sky News’s Salma Shah
noted that these conditions exacerbate the suffering of ordinary Palestinians
amid the unfolding ground battle.
Statements from Hamas and Israeli leadership
Hamas spokesperson Hassan Yousef declared in a televised statement, quoted by Euronews,
“We will defend Gaza with all means. The ground invasion is a war of survival for our people.”
Hamas militants have reportedly
intensified rocket fire into southern Israel in response to the ground
operation.
Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gvir addressed the nation, affirming the government’s commitment to disabling Hamas and restoring Israeli security.
“This is a necessary step to end terrorism and protect our citizens,”
he said during an emergency press conference, as reported by Sky News’s Mark
Stone.
Outlook and potential developments
As the ground operation progresses, the situation remains
fluid and highly volatile. Military analysts speaking to the BBC suggest that
urban combat in Gaza City could be prolonged and costly, with substantial risks
of escalation.
Human rights organisations have warned both Israel and Hamas
to abide by international humanitarian law and protect civilian lives amid the
fighting, as noted in reports by Euronews.
The coming days are expected to reveal the scale and consequences of the Israeli ground offensive, amid intensifying diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader regional conflagration.