The Israeli military has commenced the first steps of a large-scale operation to seize control of Gaza City, the largest urban center in the Gaza Strip. Brigadier General Effie Defrin, Israel’s military spokesperson, confirmed to reporters on Wednesday that forces have begun preliminary operations and are now holding positions on the city’s outskirts. This action signifies a major intensification of the military campaign that began after Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023.
The announcement of the ground assault was accompanied by a call-up for tens of thousands of Israeli reservists, underscoring the scale of the planned operation. This military push comes at a delicate time, as the Israeli government is simultaneously considering a new ceasefire proposal put forward by international mediators. The move has drawn immediate criticism from Hamas, which accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prioritizing continued warfare over a truce.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office stated that the timeline for taking control of Hamas strongholds was accelerated after troops clashed with Hamas fighters within the enclave on Wednesday. Despite the ongoing truce discussions, the government appears committed to its objective of defeating the militant group. Israel’s security cabinet had previously approved a plan this month to expand the campaign with the specific aim of capturing Gaza City.
The decision to advance on the densely populated urban center has been met with widespread international concern, as such an operation is likely to result in significant further displacement of Palestinian civilians and increased casualties. Israel currently holds approximately 75% of the Gaza Strip. The military spokesman stated the intention to “deepen the attack” on what he called a Hamas “stronghold of governmental and military terror,” setting the stage for a potentially protracted and intense phase of urban warfare.
