Israeli military forces have initiated a significant ground incursion into Gaza City, marking a severe escalation in the ongoing conflict. The Israeli government has simultaneously issued an emergency call-up for 60,000 military reservists, signalling preparations for a protracted and intensive operation.
The move comes in the wake of recent deadly attacks and has triggered a mass exodus of Palestinian civilians from the northern areas of Gaza, who are fleeing south in a desperate bid for safety.
Mass Mobilisation and Civilian Exodus
The decision to mobilise such a substantial number of reservists underscores the scale of the planned military campaign. Roads out of Gaza City are reported to be congested with vehicles and civilians on foot, carrying whatever belongings they can, creating a stark humanitarian picture.
Official statements from the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) indicate that the operation aims to target militant infrastructure and leadership positions deeply embedded within the urban environment of Gaza City.
A Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
The invasion threatens to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation within the Gaza Strip. Essential supplies, including food, water, and medical resources, were already critically low before this latest escalation.
International aid groups and the United Nations have expressed profound alarm, urgently calling for the establishment of safe corridors to allow civilians to evacuate and for life-saving aid to be delivered to those who remain.
International Response and Warnings
The global community is watching with growing concern. Key allies have publicly reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defence but have also issued strong warnings against actions that could lead to extensive civilian casualties.
Diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway behind the scenes to prevent a further regional spillover of the violence and to negotiate some form of de-escalation, though prospects for an immediate ceasefire appear slim.
As tanks roll into Gaza and airstrikes continue, the region braces for what many fear could be one of the most destructive phases of the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
