Military leader in Israel gives approval for advanced battle strategies
In August 2025, Israel initiated a new military operation, aiming to capture Gaza City and destroy Islamic Hamas elements in central refugee camps as part of a broader campaign in Gaza[2]. This operation marks the first phase of a larger plan aimed at securing control over Gaza’s urban centers.
Details on the military plan itself are limited, but the operation involves an aggressive ground and urban combat strategy focusing on densely populated areas where Hamas is known to be entrenched[2]. The operation has been approved by Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who has expressed concerns about the plan endangering soldiers and hostages believed to be in the city of Gaza[1].
The context of this operation includes complex ceasefire proposals earlier in 2025, intending to exchange prisoners and enable humanitarian access, but with conditions that have not fully materialized, and with Israel rejecting an outright end to hostilities[1]. The operation reflects a shift from ceasefire talks to intensified military engagement.
Potential Risks and Concerns
The new campaign targets Hamas in Gaza's urban refugee camps using ground operations, raising concerns about high civilian casualties and humanitarian impacts amid ongoing political conflict and fragile ceasefire attempts[1][2]. The dense population of central refugee camps increases the risk of significant civilian deaths and injuries during urban warfare against Hamas militants.
Destruction of infrastructure and restricted humanitarian access can exacerbate the already dire situation in Gaza, worsening shortages of food, water, medical supplies, and fuel[1]. International retaliation or condemnation is also a potential risk, as actions that cause extensive civilian harm may provoke international criticism or diplomatic fallout.
The focus on urban strongholds suggests prolonged, costly fighting with potential for escalation, including rocket fire on Israel. Capturing central refugee camps could lead to internal displacement of Palestinians and destabilize Gaza’s social fabric further.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revealed the details of Israel's new war plan, but the specifics regarding the involvement of the IDF in the Gaza War expansion are not detailed in this paragraph[1]. The operational plan for the IDF in the Gaza Strip has been approved by Eyal Zamir and was discussed in a meeting attended by the General Staff, representatives of the Shin Bet internal security service, and other commanders[1].
There are reported tensions between Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Defense Minister Israel Katz, according to Israeli media[1]. Preparations are underway for the mobilization of additional reservists, but the new war plan does not mention the mobilization of additional reservists as previously reported[1]. The new war plan does not directly involve the Shin Bet internal security service, as previously reported[1].
In summary, Israel’s new campaign targets Hamas in Gaza's urban refugee camps using ground operations that risk heavy civilian casualties and humanitarian impacts amid ongoing political conflict and fragile ceasefire attempts[1][2]. The operation reflects a shift from ceasefire talks to intensified military engagement.
The new military operation launched by Israel in August 2025, aimed at capturing Gaza City and destroying Islamic Hamas elements, falls under the category of general news and politics, as it involves political conflicts and war-and-conflicts. The operation, which is part of a larger plan to secure control over Gaza’s urban centers, raises significant concerns about service, specifically the IDF's (Israel Defense Forces) involvement in the campaign, due to potential high civilian casualties and humanitarian impacts.
