Israel's Ground Assault In Gaza City: What We Know
Israel has announced a major ground assault in Gaza City that it says is aimed at crushing Hamas in the Palestinian territory's largest urban hub.
- Date & Time:
- |
- Views: 31
- |
- From: India News Bull
Undefined:
Israel has launched a significant ground offensive in Gaza City with the declared objective of eliminating Hamas from the Palestinian territory's largest urban center.
Here is an overview of the offensive, its context, and the global response it has generated:
Timing and ContextIsrael's announcement of a military campaign to seize Gaza City comes amid increasing international criticism of its war conduct following Hamas's October 2023 attack.
Within Israel, demonstrations have grown, with thousands of protesters including families of hostages captured during the October 7 attack demanding the war's conclusion.
Despite mounting pressure, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government relies on far-right coalition partners, has remained steadfast in his commitment to continue fighting until Hamas is defeated.
His position was reinforced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent visit, during which "unwavering support" was pledged to Israel.
The September 16 offensive coincided with a United Nations investigation that accused Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza—allegations Israel dismissed as "distorted and false."
Current Military OperationsLieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Israel's armed forces chief, confirmed on Tuesday that military operations in Gaza City have been "significantly expanded."
"Our forces are operating deep in the area, combining ground troops, precision strikes and high-quality intelligence. We aim to intensify strikes against Hamas until we achieve its decisive defeat," he stated.
Military estimates suggest between 2,000 and 3,000 Hamas militants remain in central Gaza City.
Israeli authorities claim more than 350,000 people have evacuated the city, though Palestinian sources, including Hamas and the civil defence agency under its administration, report lower figures.
Due to media restrictions and access limitations in the territory, AFP cannot independently verify information provided by either the civil defence or Israeli military.
AFP journalists have witnessed large numbers of people fleeing Gaza City, some on foot and others using vehicles or donkey carts to transport their belongings.
According to United Nations estimates from late August, approximately one million people resided in Gaza City and surrounding areas.
Expected DurationIsraeli army spokesperson Effie Defrin indicated that military operations in Gaza City "will continue as long as necessary... until the war's objectives are achieved."
"We are not constrained by time," he added. "We estimate it will take several months to gain control of the city's strategic points, and several more months or longer to thoroughly clear the city, which has deep and well-established infrastructure."
The military reported on Wednesday that over 150 targets in Gaza City had been struck since the assault began.
International ResponseThe offensive has triggered strong condemnation from governments and officials worldwide.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres observed that "Israel is determined to go up to the end and (is) not open to a serious negotiation for a ceasefire, with dramatic consequences from Israel's point of view."
France urged Israel to halt its "destructive campaign," while Germany described the offensive as "the completely wrong path."
China expressed firm opposition to the escalation, and Qatar characterized the assault as "an extension of its genocidal war against the Palestinian people."