Israel conducts 'aggressive' intrusions into Gaza City, as reported by Hamas.
In recent days, Israeli air strikes have intensified in the Gaza Strip, with residential neighborhoods of Zeitoun and Sabra being hit [1]. This escalation comes as the Netanyahu government's plans to expand the Gaza war have sparked an international outcry and domestic opposition [2].
The Israeli military has approved a new offensive plan to seize control of Gaza City, aiming to encircle and take over the city, considered Hamas' stronghold in the Gaza Strip [1][2]. The timeline began around August 20, 2025, when Israeli troops started operations on the outskirts of Gaza City following Defense Minister approval of the plan, publicly endorsed earlier by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The goal of the offensive is a complete takeover of Gaza City to defeat Hamas and bring an end to the war. Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, have warned that if Hamas does not accept Israel’s terms—primarily the release of hostages and disarmament—Gaza City could face destruction similar to previous devastated areas such as Rafah and Beit Hanoun [1][2].
However, the international response has included widespread criticism due to concerns over the humanitarian impact. The offensive is expected to displace hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, raising fears of worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, which is already experiencing a severe crisis [1][2]. The United Nations and humanitarian groups have highlighted the escalating food insecurity, with Gaza City classified at the highest acute food insecurity level (Phase 5) by a UN-backed food monitor, signaling famine-like conditions [1][2].
Moreover, Israel has drastically curtailed the amount of humanitarian aid it allows into the Gaza Strip [1]. This move, coupled with the ongoing offensive, has exacerbated the already dire situation in the region.
Amidst this turmoil, Hamas has said a senior delegation has arrived in Cairo for preliminary talks on a temporary truce [1]. The fate of Gaza City and its inhabitants hangs in the balance, as the world watches and hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
References
[1] Associated Press. (2025). Israel Approves New Offensive Plan to Take Control of Gaza City. The New York Times.
[2] Reuters. (2025). Israel Launches Ground Offensive in Gaza City, Raising Fears of a Humanitarian Crisis. BBC News.
- The middle of Gaza Strip is where the intense air strikes, centered on residential areas such as Zeitoun and Sabra, have taken place recently.
- The escalation in war-and-conflicts, initiated by the Netanyahu government's plans for expanding the Gaza war, has received international criticism and domestic opposition.
- The Israeli military has planned to encircle and take over Gaza City, considered Hamas' stronghold, with Gaza City being their primary target.
- Strategies for crime-and-justice and general-news have yet to address the humanitarian crisis that could arise from the offensive in Gaza, as the United Nations and humanitarian groups express concerns about the potential worsening conditions and famine-like conditions in the region.
