Israeli military authorizes initiative for intense operation in Gaza; intent on dismantling remaining strongholds of Hamas
In a recent development, the Israeli military has intensified its offensive in Gaza City, aiming to seize control of the city and dismantle Hamas infrastructure there. This escalation includes ongoing ground operations on the outskirts of Gaza City and continuous airstrikes and artillery shelling, causing widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
The Israeli Defense Minister has warned that Gaza City could face destruction similar to that of Rafah and Beit Hanoun unless Hamas agrees to Israel's terms, primarily the release of hostages and disarmament. The ongoing conflict has forced many Palestinian families to flee their homes, particularly towards the west of the city.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza City is dire. The UN, along with other humanitarian organizations, has expressed grave concern about the impact of the offensive. There have been numerous civilian casualties, including children and entire families, as well as widespread destruction of residential buildings and public facilities. The UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights describes this as systematic destruction already underway.
Hundreds of families have been displaced, and acute food insecurity is escalating to famine levels in Gaza City according to a UN-backed food security monitor. The Israeli military's operations have targeted neighborhoods like Az Zaytoun, Tal al Hawa, and Zeitun, with reports of houses being demolished.
Regarding ceasefire negotiations, there is no indication of any ongoing successful talks. Israeli officials emphasize that the offensive will continue until Hamas agrees to Israel’s conditions for ending the war, focusing on hostage release and disarmament. Humanitarian agencies urgently call for a ceasefire to allow sustainable aid access and prevent further civilian suffering, but no ceasefire agreement has been reached as of now.
Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are working towards achieving a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Hamas has announced that a delegation of the movement has arrived in Cairo to hold preliminary talks with Egyptian officials on a new ceasefire. However, the Israeli army has approved a new offensive in the Gaza Strip, and the intensity of attacks in Gaza City has increased since Sunday, with artillery fire also reported.
According to the Gaza Civil Defense and medical sources, 45 Palestinians, including several minors, died on Wednesday from Israeli fire. The AFP account reports tanks advancing and destroying houses in the southeastern part of the Zeitun neighborhood and the southern part of Tal al Hawa.
The US State Department has emphasized that their focus is on saving lives, not seizing territory, and has also highlighted aid to countries in combat against cartels. The Palestinian Islamic movement (Hamas) has denounced "aggressive incursions" in Gaza City and condemned the Israeli plan as a dangerous escalation.
[1] The Jerusalem Post, "Israeli military intensifies offensive in Gaza City," August 22, 2025. [2] Al Jazeera, "Gaza City faces destruction as Israeli offensive continues," August 22, 2025.
- The escalating war-and-conflicts in Gaza City, as depicted by the Israeli military's ongoing offensive, have significant political implications, with the Israeli Defense Minister threatening potential destruction similar to that of Rafah and Beit Hanoun unless Hamas agrees to Israel's terms.
- The ongoing conflict in Gaza City, marked by political tension and violence, is a general-news topic of international concern, with the UN, humanitarian organizations, and various other parties urging for a ceasefire to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation and prevent further civilian casualties.
