Operational Concerns of the Israeli Defense Forces Regarding Gaza City
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have announced plans for a major operation to capture Gaza City, with an estimated duration of two to three months[2]. The operation, set to commence in October 2025, will involve the evacuation of approximately one million residents from Gaza City to newly established humanitarian zones[1].
The operation's planning includes senior officials from the Southern Command and the Israeli Air Force, and it will be executed in accordance with international law. Civilians will be evacuated before entering the heart of Gaza City to minimise harm[1]. The IDF also aims to prevent any harm to hostages during the operation.
However, the operation faces several challenges. Past evacuation attempts have shown that tens of thousands of residents remain despite efforts, making a full evacuation a formidable task[2]. The establishment of humanitarian zones and aid distribution are also fraught with difficulties. Ongoing issues include delays, partial or denied movements of humanitarian convoys, and risks of looting or crowd interference with aid distribution[1][5].
Moreover, the IDF's own military has expressed concerns about the feasibility of the operation. They warn that prolonged urban combat could lead to high military and civilian casualties, and Hamas may resort to guerrilla warfare inside Gaza City after its capture, necessitating prolonged control and complex maneuvers[1][2].
Gaza's infrastructure is extensively damaged, with about 78% of structures destroyed or damaged. Critical shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel, hospitals operating beyond capacity, and restricted humanitarian access further complicate evacuation and aid efforts[3][5].
Military correspondent Doron Kadush has reported significant concerns about the feasibility of the operation[5]. As the operation progresses, the IDF will strive to maintain humanitarian conditions for evacuated civilians and ensure the safety of all parties involved.
[1] Haaretz. (2025). IDF plans for Gaza operation: Evacuation of millions, humanitarian zones, and urban combat. [online] Available at: https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/gaza/.
[2] Ynetnews. (2025). IDF sets principles for Gaza City operation: No withdrawal from captured areas, civilians to be evacuated before entry. [online] Available at: https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4989793,00.html.
[3] UN OCHA. (2025). Gaza: Humanitarian Crisis Deepens. [online] Available at: https://www.ochaopt.org/content/gaza-humanitarian-crisis-deepens.
[4] Al Jazeera. (2025). IDF: Gaza operation to take two to three months. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/15/idf-gaza-operation-to-take-two-to-three-months.
[5] The Times of Israel. (2025). IDF operation in Gaza City: Challenges, concerns, and humanitarian implications. [online] Available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-operation-in-gaza-city-challenges-concerns-and-humanitarian-implications/.
In spite of the ongoing challenges and concerns, the IDF aims to ensure the safety of evacuated civilians and prevent any harm to hostages, similar to how international sports organizations prioritize the protection of athletes during events.
Unfortunately, just as past sports tournaments have faced difficulties with crowd management and logistics, the IDF recognizes that the establishment of humanitarian zones and aid distribution could also be fraught with delays and risks of interference.
