War's immediate conclusion as per our website's stance regarding Israel: ceasefire necessary immediately
In a move that has sparked intense international condemnation, Israel has announced plans for a major ground offensive to take control of Gaza, including Gaza City. This decision, made by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his government, defies opposition from military leaders and public opinion favouring a ceasefire and hostage release.
The offensive, which is expected to be completed by October 7th, marks the second anniversary of the start of the current conflict. The first stage of the operation involves forcing the displacement of approximately 800,000 Gaza City inhabitants.
Residents of Gaza City, already exhausted and unable to evacuate the area, are bracing for the impact of this offensive. The potential risks for the civilian population are significant. With densely populated areas and ongoing military operations, the risk of casualties is high. The offensive also threatens to further worsen food insecurity and humanitarian access, and heighten protection risks from intensified conflict and restrictions on movement.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is already dire. A severe reduction in food availability has resulted in meal provision dropping by 74% compared to April levels. At least 12,000 metric tons of food have entered Gaza recently, much of which has been looted or lost along conflict routes. Casualties among civilians trying to access food aid have been alarmingly high, with over 1,500 fatalities reported by Gaza’s Ministry of Health related to aid distribution zones between May and early August 2025.
The planned offensive aims to take control of Gaza City, where the potential impact on the civilian population includes increased risk of casualties, further worsening of food insecurity, and heightened protection risks.
The international community has expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of the offensive and has urged stronger, more coordinated action to prevent further atrocities and end the conflict. Some of Israel's closest allies have also condemned the offensive. For instance, the German government has suspended shipment of arms that might be used in Gaza - an unprecedented move.
The new offensive by the Israeli government has the potential to deepen the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. There are also concerns that the offensive may lead to accusations of war crimes due to the deliberate infliction of suffering on a civilian population through forced displacement, siege tactics, and mass hunger.
Far-right members of Netanyahu's government reportedly wish to see the Palestinian population forced out and replaced by Israeli settlements. However, the political survival of Netanyahu is linked to the continuation of hostilities in Gaza.
The operation will initially target Gaza City, the last major urban area in the strip. The offensive has little expectation of a resolution soon, as mediators from Egypt and Qatar are working on a framework for a hostage release and an end to the war, but there is little expectation of a resolution soon. The offensive might lead to an "endless war" and occupation of Gaza, which could be unappealing even to those indifferent to Palestinian suffering.
In conclusion, the current status is a planned Israeli ground assault on Gaza City amid a collapsing humanitarian situation, with significant concern for the wellbeing of civilians trapped in the conflict zone. The international community is urged to take action to prevent further atrocities and end the conflict, which has already lasted too long.
The planned Israeli offensive, rooted in political decisions and escalating war-and-conflicts, is expected to deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, potentially leading to an increased risk of civilian casualties, worsening food insecurity, and heightened protection risks for its population. The international community, concerned about the humanitarian impact and potential war-crimes allegations, has urged stronger, more coordinated action to end the prolonged conflict.
The ongoing conflict's political dynamics, as exemplified by Netanyahu's government, illustrate the complex interplay between politics, general-news events, and the destiny of the civilian population in Gaza City.
