IDF Greenlights Major Gaza City Offensive, Escalating Conflict in Gaza

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced Sunday that the military has approved “the plan for the next stage of the war,” signaling an imminent expansion of operations to conquer Gaza City. This decisive move follows a security cabinet vote earlier this month to pursue an offensive against what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed “the last Hamas stronghold.”

Speaking from the Gaza Strip, Zamir confirmed the plans, which were outlined last week and discussed Saturday night. He stated, “We will maintain the momentum of Operation Gideon’s Chariots while focusing on Gaza City,” affirming the military’s intent to continue striking Hamas until its defeat, while keeping the plight of hostages in mind.

The impending offensive raises significant humanitarian concerns, coming after 22 months of conflict that have severely impacted the enclave’s 2.2 million residents. Israel is preparing to relocate over one million Gaza City residents to southern refugee areas, renewing the supply of tents and shelter equipment after a 26-week hiatus. Hamas has denounced this as a “new wave of genocide and displacement,” calling Israel’s aid efforts a “blatant deception.”

Amidst these developments, Sunday saw continued violence, with Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defense agency reporting at least 18 Palestinian deaths from Israeli strikes and gunfire, including some awaiting food aid. The IDF confirmed a strike targeting Hamas operatives near Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, accusing Hamas of exploiting civilian infrastructure for military purposes.

In a separate development, a multi-national effort, including first-time participation from Denmark and Indonesia, airdropped 161 pallets of humanitarian aid into Gaza on Sunday, as international criticism mounts over the ongoing hunger crisis.

The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, continues to exact a heavy toll. While Israel reports killing approximately 20,000 combatants, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry claims over 60,000 fatalities or presumed deaths. Fifty hostages remain held by terror groups in Gaza, with only 20 believed to be alive.

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