The Israeli military has declared it has established complete operational control over Gaza City, marking a significant and aggressive escalation in its ongoing conflict with Hamas. The announcement comes as part of a broader, intensified offensive that has seen some of the fiercest fighting since the war began.
In a stark statement, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated their troops had effectively taken command of the entire city, which is considered a stronghold for the militant group. "We have completed the encirclement of Gaza City," an IDF spokesperson confirmed, signalling a new and brutal phase in the ground invasion.
Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
The military's advance has been accompanied by intense aerial bombardment and ground clashes, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. Reports from the ground describe catastrophic conditions for civilians trapped in the combat zones, with access to food, water, and medical supplies severely limited.
International aid organisations continue to sound the alarm over the growing number of casualties and the immense suffering of the Palestinian population. The UN has reiterated calls for immediate humanitarian pauses to allow aid to reach those in desperate need.
Expanding Operations in the West Bank
Concurrently, violence has flared in the occupied West Bank. Israeli forces conducted a major raid in the city of Jenin, engaging in heavy gun battles with Palestinian militants. The operation, which included air support, resulted in numerous casualties, further inflaming tensions across the territory.
This coordinated action on multiple fronts underscores the Israeli government's determined campaign to apply maximum pressure on Hamas and other militant factions, following the devastating October 7th attacks.
International Reaction and Stance
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains resolute, vowing to continue the military campaign with "full force" until Israeli objectives are met. This stance has drawn both support from allies and sharp criticism from others on the international stage, who are increasingly concerned about the escalating death toll and the destruction in Gaza.
The path to de-escalation appears fraught with difficulty, as diplomatic efforts struggle to gain traction amidst the ongoing violence. The world watches with apprehension as the conflict enters one of its most critical and deadly chapters to date.
