Plan approved for potential new military operation in Gaza by Israeli authorities
The conflict between Israel and Gaza continues to escalate, with intense military operations causing widespread destruction and civilian casualties. As of late August 2025, Gaza City is experiencing systematic destruction, resulting in neighborhoods being demolished and numerous civilian casualties.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are advancing ground operations on the outskirts of Gaza City, aiming to dismantle Hamas infrastructure. This signals a planned escalation of their offensive, as the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has not provided a precise timetable for when Israeli troops will enter Gaza City.
The humanitarian toll of the conflict is severe. Since the October 2023 escalation, over 58,000 Palestinians have been killed, more than 139,000 wounded, and thousands buried under rubble. The conflict has displaced approximately 1.9 million people—about 90% of Gaza’s population. Many are suffering from physical injuries, chronic diseases, starvation, and lack of access to healthcare due to the siege and destruction.
Israeli airstrikes have notably hit residential areas and shelters housing displaced civilians, exacerbating civilian suffering. The UN Secretary-General has renewed calls for a ceasefire amid the destruction, while humanitarian organizations like Doctors Without Borders (MSF) have emphasized the urgent medical and food needs and condemned attacks on civilians and healthcare infrastructure.
The international community is deeply concerned about the escalating humanitarian disaster and calls for ceasefire and negotiated solutions. However, negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal have been stalled for weeks.
In response to international outcry and domestic opposition, Israel's plans to expand the conflict have faced resistance. Former air force pilot Guy Poran has stated that the war and expansion will only cause the death of hostages, Israeli soldiers, and many more innocent Palestinians in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Egypt is working with Qatar and the United States to broker a 60-day truce in Gaza, with the release of some hostages and Palestinian detainees, and the flow of humanitarian and medical assistance to Gaza without restrictions. Hamas has reported a senior delegation arrived in Cairo for preliminary talks with Egyptian officials.
Despite the ongoing destruction and calls for a ceasefire, Israeli armed forces chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir has approved the main framework for the IDF's operational plan in the Gaza Strip. This approval indicates that the Israeli military is prepared to continue its offensive, potentially leading to further destruction and civilian casualties.
In Gaza City, residents like Sabah Fatoum and Abu Ahmed Abbas are reporting massive explosions, tank advancements, and drones overhead. Palestinians, such as displaced Palestinian Fidaa Saad, are fleeing Israeli strikes on neighborhoods like Zeitoun and Asqoola, using overloaded carts, vans, and bikes.
The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza states that at least 235 people including 106 children have died of hunger since the war began in October 2023, with many cases recorded in recent weeks. This underscores the urgent need for humanitarian aid and a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.
The conflict in Gaza continues to be marked by intense military operations, widespread destruction, and civilian casualties. The international community, humanitarian organizations, and even some within Israel are calling for a ceasefire and negotiated solutions to end the crisis.
- Amid the ongoing war-and-conflicts between Israel and Gaza, the arts sector in Gaza City has been severely impacted, with numerous cultural institutions destroyed, leaving many artists without a means to express themselves or support their families.
- The escalating conflict has adversely affected the general-news cycle worldwide, overshadowing other significant political events and causing a focus on war-and-conflicts rather than positive global news.
- In the midst of the ongoing conflict, the health system in Gaza has struggled to cater to the increasing number of casualties, with medical supplies dwindling, and access to adequate healthcare becoming increasingly challenging due to the destruction of healthcare infrastructure.
