Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The Israeli military has launched what it calls the “main phase” of its ground operation in Gaza City, intensifying a months-long assault that has already devastated the enclave and drawn mounting international condemnation. The move marks a new chapter in Israel’s campaign to dismantle Hamas, while United Nations officials and humanitarian agencies warn of an impending humanitarian catastrophe.
The offensive began in the early hours of Tuesday, with Israeli ground forces advancing into Gaza City following days of heavy aerial bombardment. Eyewitnesses in the city described some of the most intense attacks in recent months, with neighborhoods leveled, civilian infrastructure hit, and casualties mounting by the hour. Residents reported a relentless barrage of airstrikes targeting densely populated areas, including strikes on residential blocks in the vicinity of Al-Shawa Square.
Mourad Basal, a spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza, described the situation as dire. “The bombardment continues non-stop. There are martyrs, injuries, and people still buried under the rubble,” he said, characterizing one overnight strike as a “major massacre.”
The Israeli military said the operation is focused on eliminating what it describes as one of Hamas’s last major strongholds. An Israeli defense official estimated that at least 2,000 Hamas fighters remain embedded in Gaza City. The operation follows months of ground incursions and air raids that have killed tens of thousands and displaced over a million Palestinians, according to UN figures.
Israeli Defense Minister Katz reiterated the government’s resolve, stating, “Gaza is burning, and we will not stop. The Israel Defense Forces are striking terrorist infrastructure with an iron fist. Our soldiers are fighting bravely to pave the way for the release of hostages and the defeat of Hamas. We will not back down.”
The ground assault began despite prior Israeli commitments to clear civilian populations from combat zones before launching full-scale operations. However, only a fraction of Gaza City’s estimated one million residents have been able to flee, with many trapped due to collapsed infrastructure, ongoing bombardment, and the lack of safe evacuation corridors. According to Israeli military sources, around 320,000 Palestinians have fled the city since evacuation orders were issued.
Footage obtained by international media, showed wounded children being rushed to overwhelmed hospitals in northern Gaza. Scenes from Al-Shifa Hospital and the Baptist Hospital revealed overcrowded wards, blood-soaked floors, and families grieving over the bodies of their loved ones wrapped in white shrouds.
Meanwhile, political tensions continue to flare on the international stage. A newly released report by a United Nations independent commission accused top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of inciting genocide. The report, which includes evidence of public statements made by Israeli leadership, claims that the rhetoric and conduct of the war have violated international laws and may constitute war crimes.
Despite growing international alarm, Israel has received continued support from its closest ally, the United States. On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Israel to reaffirm what he described as Washington’s “unshakable” support. According to Israeli sources, Rubio encouraged the acceleration of the ground offensive during meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu. The operation began shortly after these talks, with Rubio still on Israeli soil.
The UN and human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that the planned assault on Gaza City could result in mass displacement and large-scale civilian casualties. Last month, UN officials cautioned that a full-scale invasion of Gaza City would threaten the lives and livelihoods of nearly one million people, many of whom have already been displaced multiple times since the beginning of the conflict in October 2023.
Adding to the internal pressure on Netanyahu’s government, families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas organized a protest outside the prime minister’s residence in Jerusalem. Dozens of demonstrators set up tents and called on the government to halt military operations until a negotiated deal secures the release of the remaining captives. Israeli officials believe 48 hostages are still held in Gaza, with only 20 confirmed to be alive.
The current assault follows Israel’s broader military doctrine, implemented since October 7, 2023, when Hamas carried out a large-scale surprise attack that killed over 1,000 people in southern Israel. Since then, Israel has maintained an unrelenting military campaign across Gaza, including targeted assassinations of Hamas leaders not only inside the enclave but also abroad in Lebanon, Iran, and most recently, Qatar.
The situation continues to deteriorate with no ceasefire in sight. Humanitarian agencies warn of famine, widespread disease, and the total collapse of Gaza’s health system. As world leaders call for restraint and accountability, the population of Gaza remains trapped in what the UN Secretary-General previously described as a “living hell.”
With the ground invasion now underway in Gaza City, the risk of regional escalation looms large, and the world watches anxiously as diplomacy falters and the death toll rises.
