Israel Launches Ground Offensive in Gaza City as Thousands Flee Amid Escalating Conflict

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Israel Launches Offensive in Gaza City as humanitarian Crisis Deepens

JERUSALEM (AP) – Israel launched a new offensive in Gaza City on Tuesday, threatening to overwhelm a city already devastated by nearly two years of raids and bombardment. Thousands of palestinians have fled, clogging a coastal road with vehicles packed with belongings, while hundreds of thousands remain.

The operation further escalates a conflict that has roiled the Middle East and likely pushes any ceasefire further out of reach.The Israeli military has not offered a timeline for the offensive, which aims to “destroy Hamas‘ military infrastructure,” but Israeli media suggest it could take months.

This comes as independent experts commissioned by the United Nations’ Human Rights Council accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel has rejected the allegation, calling the report “distorted and false.”

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that “Gaza is burning” as the operation began. Heavy bombardment battered the city overnight and into the morning.

One woman, Saud al-Sakani, reported her daughter, son-in-law, and their children were killed in a strike that flattened their home, along with approximately 40 other people. “An entire family!” she wept over their bodies at Shifa Hospital’s morgue. “Many are still under the rubble.”

U.S. Secretary of state marco Rubio, on a brief visit to the region, warned there was a “very short window of time in which a deal can happen” to end the war.

Israel also bombed Yemen’s port city of Hodeida in response to drone and missile fire from the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who claim to be acting in solidarity with Palestinians.

Israeli forces have carried out multiple large-scale raids into Gaza City throughout the war, causing mass displacement and heavy destruction.Israel has vowed to take full control of the city, which experts say is experiencing famine.

An Israeli military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the “main phase” of the Gaza City operation had begun. Airstrikes have heavily bombarded the city for weeks, bringing down several high-rise buildings.

Palestinians Flee Gaza City

The situation is dire, with civilians desperately seeking safety. The influx of displaced people is straining already limited resources and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict continues to raise concerns about the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire.

FAQ

Q: What is the current situation in Gaza?
A: Israel has launched a major offensive into Gaza City, leading to widespread bombardment and mass displacement of civilians.

Q: What are the accusations against Israel?
A: Independent experts commissioned by the United Nations have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel vehemently denies these claims.

Q: What is the international response?
A: The U.S. Secretary of State has urged for a swift resolution to the conflict,warning of a shrinking window for a ceasefire.

Q: What are the main challenges facing civilians in Gaza?
A: Civilians are facing displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and a growing famine.

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What are the primary military objectives of the current Israeli ground offensive in Gaza City?

The Current Situation in Gaza: A Deep Dive

On September 16, 2025, Israel initiated a large-scale ground offensive into Gaza City, marking a notable escalation in the ongoing conflict.This action follows weeks of intensified aerial bombardment in response to continued rocket fire from Hamas and other militant groups operating within the Gaza Strip. The offensive is aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure and neutralizing its capabilities,but has triggered a massive displacement crisis.Thousands of Palestinian civilians are currently fleeing their homes,seeking refuge in overcrowded shelters and neighboring areas. The humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating, with critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

Key Developments & Military Operations

* Initial incursion: The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) began the ground offensive with a coordinated assault targeting key Hamas positions in northern Gaza, including command centers, weapons depots, and tunnel networks.

* IDF Objectives: The stated goals of the operation include destroying Hamas’s ability to launch rockets into Israel, dismantling its tunnel infrastructure, and removing its leadership. the IDF has emphasized a commitment to minimizing civilian casualties, though the densely populated nature of Gaza City makes this exceptionally challenging.

* Hamas Response: Hamas has vowed to resist the Israeli offensive, engaging IDF forces in street-to-street combat. They have continued to launch rockets towards Israeli cities, though the rate of fire has reportedly decreased as the ground operation began.

* International Reactions: The international community is largely divided. The United States has reaffirmed its support for Israel’s right to defend itself, while urging restraint and protection of civilians. Several European nations have called for a ceasefire and a return to negotiations. The United Nations has expressed grave concern over the escalating violence and the humanitarian crisis.

The Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding in Gaza

The ground offensive has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt, coupled with the ongoing conflict, has severely restricted the flow of essential goods and services into the territory.

Displacement and Shelter

* Mass Exodus: An estimated 100,000+ Palestinians have been displaced from their homes in Gaza City and surrounding areas, according to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East).

* overcrowded Shelters: UNRWA-run schools and other public buildings are serving as emergency shelters, but are severely overcrowded and lack adequate resources.

* Limited Access to Safe Zones: The IDF has designated certain areas as “safe zones,” but many civilians are hesitant to move due to fears of being caught in the crossfire or targeted by airstrikes.

essential Supplies & Healthcare

* Water Scarcity: The offensive has damaged water infrastructure, leaving many residents without access to clean drinking water.

* Food Shortages: Supply chains have been disrupted, leading to shortages of food and essential supplies.

* Healthcare System Collapse: Hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed with casualties and are struggling to cope with the influx of patients.Shortages of medical supplies, electricity, and personnel are hindering their ability to provide adequate care. The Al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest medical facility, is operating at over capacity.

Historical Context & Previous Conflicts

Understanding the current conflict requires acknowledging its deep historical roots. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict dates back over a century, with numerous cycles of violence and failed peace negotiations.

Key Events Leading to the Current Escalation

1. 2005 Israeli Disengagement: israel withdrew its settlers and military personnel from the Gaza Strip, but maintained control over its borders, airspace, and coastline.
2. 2006 Hamas Victory: Hamas won the Palestinian legislative elections, leading to a political rift with Fatah, the dominant party in the West Bank.
3. 2007 Gaza Blockade: Following Hamas’s takeover of Gaza, Israel imposed a blockade on the territory, restricting the movement of people and goods.
4. Previous Gaza Conflicts (2008-09, 2012, 2014, 2021): several major military operations have been launched by Israel in Gaza, resulting in significant casualties and destruction.
5. recent tensions (2023-2025): Increased settler violence in the West Bank, tensions surrounding the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, and ongoing rocket fire from gaza have contributed to the current escalation.

The Role of International Mediation

Past attempts at mediation, led by the United States, Egypt, and the United Nations, have largely failed to achieve a lasting peace agreement. Key obstacles include disagreements over the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the future of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Potential Future Scenarios & Implications

The current ground offensive carries significant risks and could have far-reaching consequences.

Possible Outcomes

* Prolonged Conflict: The offensive could drag on for weeks or months,resulting in a significant increase in casualties and destruction.

* Regional Escalation: The conflict could spill over into neighboring