JERUSALEM, Sep 16 – The Israeli military announced Tuesday that it has begun a major ground offensive in Gaza City, intensifying its campaign against Hamas while warning civilians still inside the city to evacuate toward the south. The assault, which follows weeks of heavy airstrikes and bombardments, represents one of the largest escalations in the conflict since it erupted last year.
Officials said the goal of the operation is to dismantle Hamas’ military infrastructure, including an extensive network of tunnels and fighters believed to be embedded throughout Gaza City. The military did not provide a timeline, though Israeli media suggested the campaign could stretch over several months.
At the same time, the humanitarian toll continues to mount, with hospitals reporting dozens of casualties in just one day of strikes. Calls for a ceasefire remain at a standstill, even as global pressure grows over the scale of destruction and the worsening humanitarian crisis.
Ground Offensive Intensifies
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared earlier in the day that “Gaza is burning,” signaling the beginning of a full-scale push into the heart of Gaza City. Military officials confirmed that the “main phase” of the ground operation is underway, with troops moving inward from the outskirts while supported by ongoing air and artillery fire.
According to estimates provided by the Israeli military, between 2,000 and 3,000 Hamas fighters are believed to be operating within Gaza City. They also reported that roughly 350,000 residents have already fled the area. This figure, however, conflicted with recent United Nations assessments, which suggested more than 220,000 people have evacuated northern Gaza over the past month. Before evacuation orders, approximately 1 million Palestinians lived in the wider Gaza City region.
The operation comes after weeks of heavy aerial bombardment that flattened entire blocks and demolished residential towers. Israeli officials claim Hamas uses these areas to conceal weapons and command centers. Critics argue that the widespread destruction underscores the disproportionate toll the war is taking on civilians.
On Tuesday morning, Gaza City residents reported another wave of powerful strikes, with Shifa Hospital receiving the bodies of at least 34 people killed during the assault. Dozens more were treated for injuries. Doctors at the hospital described the situation as “unbearable,” with medical staff overwhelmed by casualties and shortages of supplies.
Families Plead for Hostage Release
While the offensive gathered pace, families of hostages still held in Gaza gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence, demanding a halt to the operation until their loved ones are safely returned. Some pitched tents outside his home, spending the night in protest.
Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan remains in captivity, delivered an emotional plea. “All I care about is for this nation to open its eyes and bring my child home, along with the others still held. Sending soldiers into Gaza while our hostages are still being held as human shields is unacceptable,” she said.
According to Israeli assessments, about 20 of the 48 hostages believed to remain in Gaza are still alive. Hamas has repeatedly stated it will only release them in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
The war began when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, most hostages have been released in deals brokered by mediators, primarily Qatar, though dozens remain in captivity. Israel’s response has been relentless, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting more than 64,000 Palestinians killed since the conflict began. The ministry says women and children make up nearly half of those casualties, though it does not differentiate between civilians and fighters.
Regional Tensions Rise
The escalation in Gaza is further straining Israel’s ties with neighboring countries. Egypt, traditionally a key mediator and the first Arab state to sign a peace deal with Israel in 1979, has toughened its rhetoric. In a speech at a regional summit in Qatar, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi described Israel as an “enemy” for the first time in decades. Egyptian officials emphasized that this marked a major shift in tone, even if Cairo has not yet altered its official relations with Israel.
The remark received widespread coverage across Egyptian media, signaling mounting frustration with the war. “Egypt is being threatened,” said Diaa Rashwan, head of the State Information Service, in remarks broadcast by local television. While no formal policy changes have been announced, the comments suggest that patience with Israel’s conduct is wearing thin.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Qatar after visiting Israel, meeting with the country’s emir to discuss potential diplomatic options. Rubio acknowledged the dangers of Israel’s intensified campaign but said a negotiated settlement remains the best path forward. “The greatest tragedy beyond war itself is one that drags on without end,” he stated. “Hamas must eventually be defanged, but we hope it can happen through negotiation rather than endless bloodshed.”
Arab and Muslim countries issued strong condemnations of recent Israeli strikes, including one that killed five Hamas members and a local security official. However, the summit stopped short of implementing any coordinated action against Israel, highlighting the difficulty of mounting unified pressure.