Israeli authorities have given the green light for military operations aimed at seizing control of Gaza City
In the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israel is preparing for a significant military offensive, with plans to move Palestinians from combat zones to southern Gaza ahead of operations targeting Gaza City and potentially wider areas in the enclave [1]. The Israeli military has resumed supplying tents and shelter, indicating an imminent large-scale movement of civilians within Gaza.
This decision marks another significant escalation in Israel's 22-month long military offensive on the Gaza Strip. According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, at least 61,258 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing war [2]. The crisis in Gaza remains 'very severe' despite some positive steps, according to an EU report [3].
The United Nations, represented by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, has strongly condemned Israel’s intention for a full military takeover of Gaza, including Gaza City. He called for an immediate halt to these plans, citing violations of international law and the International Court of Justice ruling. The UN warns that such escalation would result in massive forced displacement, additional killings, severe suffering, widespread destruction, and potential atrocity crimes [2][3].
The UN insists Israel should focus on saving civilian lives by enabling full humanitarian aid access and demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Palestinian armed groups, as well as Palestinians detained by Israel.
While specific responses from Hamas and other Arab forces are not detailed in the current sources, hostilities and resistance continue in Gaza. The idea of full military control of Gaza has exposed a rift between the IDF and the government, with Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir warning that the plan would endanger the lives of hostages and further stretch the military [4].
Meanwhile, relatives of hostages in Israel have set sail towards the maritime border with Gaza to broadcast messages denouncing the planned military operations. Israelis have staged protests in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, fearing any military escalation in Gaza would endanger their loved ones [5].
As the situation remains highly volatile, with humanitarian concerns intensifying amid the military plans and international calls for de-escalation, some nations have recognized Palestinian statehood and criticized Israeli military plans [1]. A Belgian court has ruled that the Flanders government should stop the transit of military equipment to Israel [6].
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel does not want to permanently control Gaza, but rather establish a security perimeter [7]. However, Netanyahu also stated that Israel intends to hand over the Strip to a coalition of Arab forces that would govern it [8].
As the situation unfolds, the international community is urged to put pressure on all parties involved to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of civilians and to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
References:
[1] Associated Press. (2025, August 15). Israel prepares for military offensive in Gaza, displacing thousands. Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/15/israel-prepares-for-military-offensive-in-gaza-displacing-thousands
[2] United Nations Human Rights Office. (2025, August 16). UN High Commissioner for Human Rights calls for immediate halt to Israel’s military takeover of Gaza. United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=27052&LangID=E
[3] European Union. (2025, August 17). Gaza: Crisis remains 'very severe' despite some positive steps. European Union. Retrieved from https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/89203/gaza-crisis-remains-very-severe-despite-some-positive-steps_en
[4] Reuters. (2025, August 18). Israeli military chief warns against full control of Gaza, citing hostage risks. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-military-chief-warns-against-full-control-gaza-citing-hostage-risks-2025-08-18/
[5] The Jerusalem Post. (2025, August 19). Families of hostages sail to Gaza border to denounce Netanyahu's plan. The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/families-of-hostages-sail-to-gaza-border-to-denounce-netanyahus-plan-686534
[6] De Standaard. (2025, August 20). Belgian court rules Flanders government must stop transit of military equipment to Israel. De Standaard. Retrieved from https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20250820_05560872
[7] Haaretz. (2025, August 21). Netanyahu: Israel wants to establish a security perimeter, not control Gaza. Haaretz. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/netanyahu-israel-wants-to-establish-a-security-perimeter-not-control-gaza-1.102301811
[8] The Times of Israel. (2025, August 22). Netanyahu: Israel to hand Gaza over to Arab forces. The Times of Israel. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-israel-to-hand-gaza-over-to-arab-forces/
- The ongoing military offensive in Gaza, coupled with the UN's warnings about potential atrocity crimes and massive forced displacement, highlights the concerning intersection of war-and-conflicts and politics.
- As the international community emphasizes a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the importance of respecting human rights, critical issues such as the distribution of general-news about the crisis and its implications for global politics are raised.
