Israeli Army Pushes Deeper Into Gaza City
Israeli forces now control approximately 40% of Gaza City following days of intensified ground operations, according to a statement from Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin. The advance, part of a renewed large-scale offensive, has brought troops closer to the city center after seizing control of several outer neighborhoods, including Zeitoun and Sheikh Radwan.
Palestinian health officials reported at least 53 people killed across the Gaza Strip on Thursday alone, most of them in Gaza City. The offensive represents one of the most significant escalations since the start of Israel’s campaign in October 2023.
Operation “Gideon’s Chariots II”
The current military campaign, codenamed Operation Gideon’s Chariots II, builds on an earlier assault that stretched from May through August 2025. Israeli commanders say the renewed push is intended to dismantle Hamas’s military infrastructure and secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages.
Defrin said the offensive will continue until “Hamas’s rule ends and every hostage returns home.” He added that Israeli units are preparing to “expand and intensify” their presence in Gaza City in the coming days.
Heavy Civilian Toll and Humanitarian Strain
Gaza’s Health Ministry announced that the total death toll since the beginning of the war has now surpassed 64,000 Palestinians. In the last 24 hours alone, hospitals have received 84 bodies, including 17 people who were killed while attempting to access humanitarian aid. Since May, at least 2,356 Palestinians have reportedly died while seeking assistance.
The humanitarian crisis is worsening rapidly. UN agencies describe Gaza City as facing “catastrophic displacement,” with more than 82,000 residents forced from their homes since August 14. Many, however, are refusing evacuation orders, fearing no safe refuge remains.
“I am not leaving my house. I want to die here,” said Um Nader, a mother of five in Gaza City, echoing the despair felt by many civilians.
UNICEF characterized the situation as “a city of fear, flight and funerals”, warning that nearly one million people remain trapped. Critical infrastructure has nearly collapsed: only 44 of 92 nutrition treatment centers are still functioning, and hospitals report extreme overcrowding. At one neonatal unit, 40 incubators are running at twice their intended capacity to keep 80 infants alive.
Political and Military Frictions in Israel
The Gaza City operation has also deepened tensions inside Israel’s leadership. According to Israeli media reports, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir warned the security cabinet that continuing the offensive risks forcing Israel into direct military governance over the territory. “You are heading to a military government,” Zamir allegedly told ministers in a stormy meeting.
Despite these warnings, the government has approved the mobilization of 60,000 reservists. Yet turnout appears lower than in earlier call-ups, with over 300 reservists signing an open letter refusing to serve. In their statement, they called the current war “illegal” and voiced opposition to expanding Israel’s military footprint in Gaza.
Hamas and Allies Launch Counter-Operation
Hamas’s armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, has launched a counter-campaign dubbed “Operation Moses’ Staff.” The operation began September 3 with attacks targeting Israeli troops in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun district and the Jabalia area to the north.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s Al-Quds Brigades have also joined the counter-offensive, increasing resistance to Israel’s advance. Hamas leaders say the operation is a direct response to what they describe as “massacres” committed by Israeli forces in recent days.
Stalled Ceasefire Efforts
Diplomatic efforts to broker a truce remain frozen. Hamas has accepted a framework for a 60-day ceasefire and a phased release of Israeli hostages, but Israel has rejected the proposal. Israeli officials insist that all 48 remaining hostages must be freed immediately and without conditions.
Government representatives have dismissed Hamas’s latest offer as “spin,” emphasizing that operations in Gaza City will continue until their military objectives are achieved.
Worsening Humanitarian Outlook
Meanwhile, international aid groups warn that time is running out for civilians trapped in Gaza City. Relief organizations say food and medical supplies are dwindling, clean water is scarce, and disease risks are rising in overcrowded shelters.
Humanitarian corridors remain unreliable, and aid convoys face frequent disruptions. “The situation in Gaza is deteriorating by the hour,” one UN official said, warning that without significant international intervention, the humanitarian toll could climb sharply in the weeks ahead.
Outlook
With Israeli forces pressing further into Gaza City, casualties mounting, and political divisions deepening both in Israel and among Palestinians, the conflict shows no signs of abating. The next phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots II is expected to intensify the fighting, even as international pressure grows for both sides to accept a ceasefire.
Sources: BBC
