Prepared military operation in Gaza announced by Israeli authorities
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, Israeli forces have begun an offensive to take full control of Gaza City. This offensive, described as entering an early stage of takeover, is aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure both above and underground.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that if Hamas does not accept Israel’s terms—including releasing hostages and disarming—Gaza City could face devastation similar to Rafah and Beit Hanoun, areas that have already suffered heavily during the conflict.
The humanitarian conditions in Gaza City are dire. A UN-backed food security monitor has declared a famine level (Phase 5 acute food insecurity) in Gaza City, reflecting an extreme hunger crisis worsened by Israel’s blockade and ongoing military operations. The offensive and blockade have caused mass displacement within Gaza, leaving families with nowhere safe to flee amid widespread destruction of homes and public facilities.
Casualty figures are severe. Over 62,000 Palestinians have been killed since the offensive began, including a large proportion of women and children, though exact civilian-combatant breakdowns are unclear due to reporting difficulties. On one day alone near a UN humanitarian convoy, at least 27 Palestinians were killed and 100 wounded, many by Israeli gunfire amid a stampede. Since early August, the UN reported at least 87 Palestinians killed in Gaza City from attacks on residential areas, including at least 25 children.
In addition, malnutrition-related deaths are rising, with over 150 adults and 112 children dying from starvation since late June. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says at least 235 people including 106 children have died of hunger since the war began in October 2023, with many of the cases recorded in recent weeks.
Negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release are reportedly ongoing but stagnant, with no breakthrough reached as of August 22, 2025. Israel remains firm on conditions tied to the release of hostages and Hamas disarmament, while international fears grow about escalating civilian harm and displacement due to the planned full control of Gaza City by Israeli forces.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has not provided a precise timetable for when Israeli troops will enter Gaza City. The Israeli government's plans to expand the fighting have sparked international outcry as well as domestic opposition.
In response, diplomacy aimed at securing an elusive ceasefire and hostage release deal has been stalled for weeks, with the latest round of negotiations breaking down in July. However, Hamas has confirmed a senior delegation has arrived in Cairo for preliminary talks with Egyptian officials. 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.
The conflict continues to take a heavy toll on the people of Gaza, with no end in sight to the suffering. The international community is urging both sides to return to the negotiating table and find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
- The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, specifically in Gaza City, has escalated, with Israeli forces aiming to take full control, potentially leading to devastation similar to Rafah and Beit Hanoun, areas already affected by the fighting.
- The humanitarian situation in Gaza City is critical, with the UN declaring a famine level and a crisis of extreme hunger worsened by Israel's blockade and military operations, causing mass displacement and widespread destruction.
- The United States, alongside Egypt and Qatar, is attempting to broker a 60-day truce in Gaza, hoping to secure the release of hostages and Palestinian detainees, and facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid without restrictions.
- Diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire and hostage release have been ongoing but stagnant, as civilian harm and displacement concerns escalate, with the Israeli government planning to expand the fighting in Gaza City. The international community urges both sides to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
