Israel’s military said on Friday it has entered the “initial stages” of an assault on Gaza City, declaring the enclave’s largest urban area a “dangerous combat zone” and suspending tactical pauses that had allowed some humanitarian deliveries. The move marks a sharp escalation in a conflict that has devastated Gaza and intensified international concern about civilian harm and famine.
The Israeli army’s statement said preliminary operations were underway around Gaza City as forces prepare to press into the densely populated area, long described by Israeli officials as a final Hamas stronghold. Military spokespeople signalled a stepped-up campaign targeting what they described as militant infrastructure and tunnel networks.
Shortly before the announcement, Israeli authorities said they had recovered the bodies of two hostages taken by Hamas in the October 7, 2023 attacks, underscoring one of the government’s stated objectives to recover hostages believed to remain in Gaza. Israel has said dozens of hostages remain in the enclave. The retrieval of remains has been used by officials to justify increased military pressure.
Humanitarian situation and Gaza-wide toll
Humanitarian agencies, U.N. officials and medical sources have warned that an expanded operation in Gaza City would deepen an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Aid groups and international monitors have described food shortages and a collapsing medical system; last week a global hunger monitor working with U.N. agencies concluded parts of Gaza were experiencing famine conditions — a determination Israel rejects — while Gaza’s health authorities report mounting civilian casualties.
Gaza’s health ministry and independent monitors have reported tens of thousands of fatalities since the outbreak of broad hostilities nearly two years ago, with many thousands more injured and nearly the entire population displaced at different times during sustained bombardments. International agencies have repeatedly cautioned that any large-scale ground operation in Gaza City could force hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee again into areas with even fewer resources.
Civilians fleeing, aid corridors paused
Local residents and aid agencies said people have been fleeing neighbourhoods in eastern and southern Gaza City as bombardments intensified, with reports of strikes in densely populated zones such as Zeitoun and Sabra. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that previously arranged “local tactical pauses” would not apply to Gaza City, effectively curtailing the limited windows that allowed some food and medical convoys to reach survivors.
The suspension of pauses and the declaration of Gaza City as a combat zone have prompted urgent appeals from the United Nations and relief organisations, which warn the move risks catastrophic civilian losses and could hinder life-saving aid. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said the expansion of military operations would have “devastating consequences,” urging all sides to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian relief.
Global reaction: condemnation and caution
World leaders and rights groups responded swiftly. Several countries and regional bodies criticised the Israeli push, citing proportionality concerns and the potential for mass civilian suffering. At the same time, some Western governments expressed continued support for Israel’s right to pursue security goals, while urging restraint and the unimpeded movement of aid for civilians. The diplomatic split reflects a growing international debate over how to balance counterterrorism goals with obligations to protect civilians under international law.
On the ground: what residents report
Reports from Gaza City describe scenes of panic, crowded makeshift shelters, and people trying to move south toward the coast or into central Gaza despite obstacles and limited transport. Medical facilities — many already damaged and short on supplies — face fresh strains as displaced families pour into clinics and field hospitals. Journalists and humanitarian workers on the ground say that, even where corridors exist, insecurity and damage to infrastructure hamper the delivery and distribution of aid.
Why Gaza City matters militarily and politically
For Israeli officials, Gaza City is more than a population centre: it is framed as the operational hub and last major urban bastion of Hamas after months of Israeli attacks across the territory. Securing the city, they argue, is a necessary step toward dismantling militant capabilities and recovering hostages. Critics counter that the densely built environment and large civilian presence make any full-scale urban operation extremely dangerous and likely to inflict wide civilian harm.
What to watch next
Analysts say the coming hours and days are likely to determine whether the initial stages escalate into a wider ground offensive or remain limited to intensified air and targeted operations around the city’s perimeter. Key indicators to monitor include: whether Israel mobilises additional ground forces or reservists to Gaza, the scale and frequency of airstrikes over residential districts, the flow (or further restriction) of humanitarian aid, and diplomatic moves by major powers and regional mediators attempting to stave off mass displacement.
Reporting from multiple outlets indicates the situation remains fluid and fast-moving. Journalists, aid agencies and governments are urging extreme caution and immediate measures to protect civilians. As events unfold, independent verification of battlefield claims and casualty numbers will be crucial for understanding the full humanitarian and strategic impact of the offensive.
