Israeli Military Assault on Gaza: First Stages Begin
The Israeli military assault Gaza has officially entered its preliminary phase, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirming ground operations on the outskirts of Gaza City. According to military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin, troops are now actively operating in key neighborhoods, including Zeitoun and Jabalia, as part of a broader plan to capture and occupy the entire city.
Defense Minister Israel Katz gave the green light earlier this week, with the plan set to be reviewed by Israel’s security cabinet in the coming days. The large-scale operation is one of the most significant developments since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that triggered the ongoing war.
60,000 Reservists Mobilized for Gaza Offensive
As part of preparations for the Israeli military assault on Gaza, nearly 60,000 reservists have been called up. This move aims to free active-duty personnel for frontline combat operations.
The IDF insists the campaign is designed to weaken Hamas’ infrastructure, both above and below ground. Brig. Gen. Defrin emphasized that the objective is to “deepen the damage to Hamas in Gaza City” and reduce the group’s influence over civilians.
However, humanitarian agencies and world leaders have issued stark warnings. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) cautioned that intensified hostilities could cause an “irreversible humanitarian crisis” for Gaza’s 2.1 million people.
Civilian Evacuations Ordered
The Israeli military assault Gaza is expected to displace hundreds of thousands of civilians. The IDF has already begun issuing evacuation notices, urging residents to move south for safety.
While Israel argues that these steps are meant to minimize harm to non-combatants, the situation on the ground tells a different story. Gaza’s Civil Defence agency reported that at least 25 people were killed in strikes on Wednesday, including three children and their parents whose home in Shati refugee camp was bombed.
Mahmoud Bassal, spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defence, described conditions in Zeitoun and Sabra as “very dangerous and unbearable.”
International Backlash Against Israeli Military Assault on Gaza
The global community has reacted strongly against Israel’s planned occupation of Gaza City. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the assault “can only lead to disaster for both peoples” and risks fueling a cycle of endless conflict.
Meanwhile, the ICRC echoed similar concerns, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian access to food, clean water, medical supplies, and shelter. “After months of relentless hostilities and repeated displacement, the people in Gaza are utterly exhausted,” the organization stressed.
Calls for a ceasefire have grown louder, with mediators Qatar and Egypt presenting a 60-day truce proposal that includes the release of around half of the remaining hostages. Hamas has accepted the deal, but Israeli officials have so far refused, demanding the release of all hostages before agreeing to any ceasefire.
Hostages in Gaza Remain at Risk
One of the most delicate aspects of the Israeli military assault Gaza is the fate of hostages still held by Hamas. According to Israeli intelligence, around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with only 20 believed to be alive.
Families of those captives have expressed growing fears that Israel’s ground offensive could place their loved ones in even greater danger. The ICRC also raised alarms, warning that military escalation could threaten the safety of these hostages.
Why Israel is Pushing Forward
Despite mounting criticism, Israel has made clear that it intends to press ahead with the Gaza City takeover plan. Officials argue that Hamas has been severely weakened but not eliminated after 22 months of war.
Brig. Gen. Defrin declared:
“We have begun the preliminary actions, and already now, IDF troops are holding the outskirts of Gaza City.”
He stressed that operations would continue until Hamas’ governing and military capabilities are dismantled.
Humanitarian Concerns: Catastrophe Looms
The humanitarian toll of the Israeli military assault Gaza is staggering. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, with the majority being women and children.
The United Nations continues to describe Gaza as facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, urging immediate de-escalation and unrestricted aid access.
(For updated casualty numbers and humanitarian appeals, see the United Nations reports on Gaza).
The Road Ahead
With the situation escalating, all eyes remain on Israel’s security cabinet, where the final approval for a full-scale occupation of Gaza City is pending. If approved, this could mark the largest ground offensive in Gaza in decades, reshaping the region’s political and humanitarian landscape.
Whether international mediation efforts succeed in halting the assault remains uncertain. For now, both Palestinians and Israelis brace for what could become a prolonged and devastating conflict.
