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Israel has approved plans for an offensive aimed at taking control of Gaza City, focusing on “terror infrastructure,” particularly a tunnel network. A top Israeli military official stated that civilian protection remains a “top priority,” with advance warnings to be issued to avoid harm.
**Why It Matters**
Israel’s military controls approximately 75 percent of Gaza, home to around two million people who have been displaced multiple times in the past 22 months following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attacks. These attacks claimed up to 1,200 Israeli lives, mostly civilians.
Since then, Israel’s offensive against Hamas has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza. Aid groups warn of an impending famine. The initial announcement on August 8 drew widespread criticism from Western governments, including a joint statement by foreign ministers from the U.K., Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and Australia, rejecting the plan as it would “aggravate” the catastrophic situation in Gaza.
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**What to Know**
The operation dubbed “Gideon’s Chariots” was drawn up by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. The official stated that they will move into a new combat phase, targeting Gaza City, which serves as Hamas’ main military and governing stronghold. The mission remains clear: to bring all hostages home and defeat Hamas.
Gaza City is in the northern part of the 26-mile coastal enclave and has been devastated by Israeli military strikes over the past 22 months. Fifty thousand reservists will be called up, bringing total troop strength to 120,000. The official noted that while Hamas’ leadership has been cut off, active terrorists are regrouping and reforming in a more organized way.
Defense Minister Israel Katz approved “humanitarian preparations” for the estimated one million Palestinian civilians who will be displaced from Gaza City to the Gaza Strip’s south.
**What People Are Saying**
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Hamas is under immense pressure. The U.N. Human Rights Office called for an immediate end to the war and unimpeded humanitarian assistance.
**What Happens Next**
Netanyahu likely faces more protests at home against an expanded war. Demands for an immediate end to the military campaign in return for the release of all hostages will increase. Diplomatic tensions across the Middle East are expected to rise, with Arab governments escalating calls for urgent humanitarian aid and political intervention.
The worsening conditions and escalating violence heighten the risk of prolonged conflict and regional destabilization. The international community faces increasing pressure to respond as the situation on the ground becomes more precarious.
