Residents of Gaza City respond to Israel's proposed large-scale military operation
In the heart of the Gaza Strip, Gaza City, once a bustling hub, now lies in ruins, 22 months into an ongoing war. Over the weekend, Israeli forces bombarded the city, resulting in the tragic deaths of six journalists, mostly working for Al Jazeera, in a targeted airstrike [1][2].
Despite Israel's decision to clear the area, many Palestinians, like 60-year-old Saady Barakat, choose to stay. If he follows Israeli orders, Barakat fears ending up on the street or in a tent [1].
The current military campaign, led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is an active offensive aimed at taking complete control of Gaza City and uprooting Hamas from the territory. As of August 19–20, 2025, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) began ground maneuvers, including tanks and infantry, advancing into neighborhoods like Sabra and Zeitoun within Gaza City [1][3][4].
Netanyahu asserts that this offensive is necessary to defeat Hamas and has framed it as targeting Hamas strongholds while claiming residents had opportunities to leave combat zones or Gaza entirely. The offensive continues despite ongoing hostage and ceasefire talks [1][2]. However, the operation has drawn international criticism and heightened concerns about civilian casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Reports indicate significant Palestinian deaths from Israeli airstrikes and violence around aid distribution points, as well as escalating starvation in Gaza [2][4].
Human rights organizations warn of a deepening humanitarian disaster, with most Gaza residents displaced and large parts of the territory in ruins [3]. Palestinians continue to suffer amid intense military action, widespread displacement, and deteriorating living conditions.
The Israeli government, characterized as the most right-wing in Israel's history, pursues the occupation of Gaza City, while parts of the military leadership reportedly preferred a truce instead of full control [2][5]. The expansion of the operation risks further international isolation for Israel, damaging its alliances and global reputation, as analyzed by experts noting the dramatic escalation under Netanyahu compared to past Israeli decisions to disengage from Gaza [5].
Netanyahu's goal is not to occupy Gaza, but to free it from Hamas. However, members of the Israeli far-right government have repeatedly stated that the permanent displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, a policy they call voluntary migration, is the goal of the war [1].
Amidst the chaos, stories of resilience emerge. Nisreen Abu Suleiman, a mother of four, states that she and other Palestinians in Gaza City are choosing to stay despite Israeli orders. Khaled Sakran, a Gaza resident, states that he has nothing left to lose due to the injustice and hunger experienced during the war [1].
BABA: Abu Suleiman mentions that she and her family have been refugees since 1948, when Israel was established, and hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled to Gaza.
The conflict intensifies, and the potential outcome is a worsening humanitarian crisis and Israel's international isolation, potentially with protracted violence given Hamas's regrouping and continued attacks [3][5].
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