Israel has entered a new and intense phase of its military campaign in Gaza, launching a substantial ground assault on Gaza City amid heavy bombing and wide destruction. The operation, described by Israel’s Defence Minister as a mission to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure and free hostages, has raised urgent humanitarian and geopolitical concerns.
According to military officials, ground troops have moved deeper into urban areas, aiming to confront up to 3,000 Hamas fighters believed to be entrenched in the city. The offensive was preceded by airstrikes and naval bombardments targeting homes, mosques, schools, and roads. Defence Minister Israel Katz declared, “Gaza is burning,” stating that the military is striking with “an iron fist” to destroy what it calls “terrorist infrastructure.” The campaign is also seen as a critical step in securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Health authorities in Gaza report that at least 40 people have already been killed in early strikes, mostly civilians. As the city comes under sustained attack, large numbers of residents are fleeing southward and westward. Displacement is causing severe strain, with people travelling in vehicles, carts, or on foot.
International organisations, including the UN and human rights agencies, have condemned the operation, warning that the offensive amounts to forced displacement and may violate international norms. The UN’s children’s agency has said that the southern areas receiving displaced people are unprepared, overcrowded, and lacking basic services. Some civilians displaced recently say conditions in those areas are nearly as dangerous as those they fled.
Within Israel, concern has also emerged from some military leaders and hostage families. Some commanders warn that the ground operation could endanger hostages still in Gaza, and there are internal calls for re-examination of cease-fire possibilities. Meanwhile, Israel’s Prime Minister has defended the assault, emphasizing that defeating Hamas and securing the hostages are central to the strategy.
The ongoing conflict, which began with a Hamas attack in October 2023, has resulted in extensive casualties—particularly among the Palestinian population—as well as widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure. Aid groups say that rising hunger, lack of medical supplies, and displacement are compounding the crisis. Many observers warn the operation risks escalating violence further unless accompanied by serious efforts to protect civilians and restore humanitarian access.