Israel Declares Gaza “Combat Zone” Amid Escalating Tensions: DW Report from August 30, 2025

Gaza City Declared “Perilous Combat Zone” As Israeli offensive Looms

Published: August 29, 2025

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Friday that Gaza City is now considered a “dangerous combat zone,” preceding a planned offensive aimed at securing the moast populous city in the Gaza Strip. This move comes after almost two years of ongoing hostilities in the region, leaving a devastating toll on the civilian population.

Israel is facing increasing pressure both domestically and internationally to bring the conflict to a conclusion. The majority of Gaza’s residents have been displaced at least once during the war, and over 63,000 lives have been lost, according to Palestinian health officials.

Despite growing calls for de-escalation,the IDF shows no indication of halting its plans to enter Gaza City. An Arabic-language spokesperson for the military stated that troops will proceed without delay.

“Effective immediatly, the local tactical pause in military activity will not apply to Gaza City, which has been designated a dangerous combat zone,” read a military statement released this morning.

This “daily tactical pause,” which began at the end of July,was intended to facilitate the safe passage of United Nations convoys and humanitarian organizations operating within Gaza City and other parts of the Palestinian territory.

The israeli Army prepared this Friday (August 29, 2025) to conquer the largest city in the Palestinian territory after almost two years of war. (Image: BASHAR TALEB/AFP/Getty Images)

A Growing Exodus

“We do not want to leave our homes. We are exhausted, constantly moving from north to south with no respite,” said Mohamed Abu Qamar, 42, a resident of Jabaliya in northern Gaza, expressing the anguish of displacement.

“the fear of death is overwhelming. We begin each journey uncertain of our safety, constantly fearing we may not survive,” he added.

the united Nations estimates that almost one million people reside within the Gaza Governorate, encompassing Gaza City and its surrounding areas.

– Tweet about Gaza conflict –

Last week, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed agency, officially declared a famine in parts of Gaza, attributing the crisis to what it described as “Israel’s systematic obstruction” of aid delivery.

While the IDF has not issued a formal evacuation order for Gaza City, it declared on Wednesday that evacuation is “unavoidable” due to Israel’s decision to seize control of the city, which it views as a key stronghold of Hamas – designated as a terrorist association by the European Union, the United States, and other nations.

The Roots of the Conflict

The current conflict was triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, the majority being civilians, according to official Israeli counts. During the attack, 251 individuals were taken hostage. Currently, 47 hostages remain captive in the Gaza Strip, with an estimated twenty still alive.

In response,the Israeli offensive in Gaza has led to the deaths of 63,025 Palestinians,primarily civilians,according to data from the Gaza Ministry of Health – a source considered reliable by the United Nations.

Metric	Value (August 29, 2025)
Total Deaths in Gaza	63,025
Hostages remaining in Gaza	47
Estimated Hostages Still Alive	~20
Displaced Population in Gaza	Majority of Residents

Did You Know? The blockade of Gaza, imposed by Israel and Egypt in 2007, has severely restricted the movement of people and goods, contributing to the humanitarian crisis.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about the conflict through reputable news organizations and avoid spreading unverified information.

Understanding the Gaza Conflict: A Past Overview

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the world’s most enduring and complex disputes. Its roots trace back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the rise of Zionism and Arab nationalism. The region has witnessed multiple wars, uprisings, and peace negotiations, yet a lasting resolution remains elusive.

The Gaza Strip, a small territory on the Mediterranean coast, has been at the heart of this conflict for decades. Controlled by Hamas as 2007, it has been subject to a strict Israeli blockade, creating notable economic hardship and limited access to essential resources.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza is not simply a military operation; it is a humanitarian crisis with far-reaching consequences. The destruction of infrastructure, displacement of populations, and loss of life have created a desperate situation for the people of Gaza.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Gaza Conflict

• What is the current situation in Gaza? The situation in Gaza is dire, with a declared famine in some areas, widespread displacement, and ongoing military operations.
• What is hamas? Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamist fundamentalist organization that has controlled the gaza Strip since 2007 and is considered a terrorist organization by several countries.
• what are the main obstacles to peace in gaza? The main obstacles include the ongoing blockade, political divisions among Palestinians, Israeli settlement expansion, and the lack of a clear pathway to a two-state solution.
• What is the international response to the crisis? The international community has largely condemned the violence and called for a ceasefire. Humanitarian aid is being provided, but access remains a major challenge.
• What is the long-term outlook for Gaza? The long-term outlook is uncertain, but a lasting resolution will require addressing the root causes of the conflict and ensuring the security and well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians.

What are your thoughts on the current escalation in Gaza? Share your viewpoint in the comments below and help us continue to provide comprehensive coverage of this critical issue.

What are the potential long-term consequences of Israel declaring the entire Gaza Strip a “combat zone” on the region’s stability, as outlined in the report?

Current Situation in the Gaza strip

as of August 30, 2025, Israel has officially declared the entirety of the Gaza Strip a “combat zone,” significantly escalating the ongoing conflict with Hamas. This declaration, reported by Deutsche Welle (DW) adn corroborated by ZDF Heute, follows a sustained period of intense military operations launched in response to recent attacks originating from the region. The move impacts civilian movement, aid delivery, and the overall humanitarian situation within Gaza. The immediate trigger remains the initial Hamas terror attack that initiated the current wave of violence.

Military Operations and Objectives

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are conducting extensive military operations within the Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas infrastructure, command centers, and militant fighters. Key objectives, as stated by Israeli officials, include:

Dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities: This involves destroying rocket launch sites, weapons caches, and tunnels used for offensive operations.

Neutralizing Hamas leadership: Efforts are focused on locating and apprehending or eliminating key figures within the Hamas association.

Restoring security for Israeli citizens: The overarching goal is to prevent future attacks on Israel and ensure the safety of its population.

Securing borders: Strengthening border security to prevent the smuggling of weapons and materials into Gaza.

These operations are characterized by airstrikes, ground incursions, and naval blockades. The intensity of the fighting has led to notable casualties on both sides, and a growing humanitarian crisis.

Humanitarian Crisis and Aid Restrictions

The declaration of Gaza as a “combat zone” has severely restricted the flow of humanitarian aid into the region.

Limited Access for Aid Organizations: International aid organizations are facing significant challenges in accessing affected populations due to ongoing fighting and security concerns.

Shortage of Essential supplies: Critical supplies such as food, water, medicine, and fuel are dwindling, creating a dire situation for civilians.

Displacement of civilians: Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced from their homes, seeking shelter in overcrowded UN-run schools and other facilities.

Healthcare System Overwhelmed: The healthcare system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse, struggling to cope with the influx of wounded and the lack of essential medical supplies.

The United Nations and various international bodies have repeatedly called for a ceasefire and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of civilians.

International Response and Diplomatic Efforts

The escalating conflict has drawn widespread international condemnation and calls for de-escalation.

United Nations: The UN Security council has held emergency meetings to discuss the situation, but has been unable to reach a consensus on a resolution due to disagreements among member states.

United States: The US has expressed its support for israel’s right to defend itself while also urging restraint and the protection of civilians.

European Union: The EU has called for a ceasefire and emphasized the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Regional Actors: Egypt and Qatar have been playing a mediating role, attempting to broker a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but a lasting resolution remains elusive. The complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,coupled with regional geopolitical dynamics,continue to pose significant challenges to peace negotiations.

Historical Context: The Israel-Hamas Conflict

The current escalation is rooted in a long history of conflict between Israel and Hamas. Key events contributing to the current situation include:

1. The 2007 Hamas takeover of Gaza: This led to an Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, restricting the movement of people and goods.
2. Recurring cycles of violence: Over the years, there have been several major rounds of fighting between Israel and Hamas, including conflicts in 2008-2009, 2012, 2014, and 2021.
3. The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict: The broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, centered on issues of land, self-determination, and security, continues to fuel tensions in the region.
4. Recent tensions in jerusalem: Disputes over holy sites in Jerusalem have often served as a catalyst for violence.

Understanding this historical context is crucial for comprehending the complexities of the current situation.

Impact on Regional Stability

The conflict in Gaza has the potential to destabilize the wider region.

Increased risk of escalation: There is a risk that the conflict could spill over into neighboring countries, such as Lebanon and Syria.

Rise in extremist groups: The conflict could provide an possibility for extremist groups to gain influence and recruit new members.

Strain on regional alliances: The conflict could strain relationships between regional powers, such as Egypt, Qatar, and Iran.

Humanitarian consequences: The humanitarian crisis in gaza could exacerbate existing regional challenges, such as displacement and poverty.

Keywords:

Israel, Gaza, Hamas, conflict, war, IDF, humanitarian crisis, ceasefire, Middle East, Palestine, Deutsche Welle (DW