Gaza City Braces for Intense Urban Warfare as Israeli Forces Encircle Centre
Gaza City Braces for Intense Urban Warfare as Israeli Forces Encircle Centre
Gaza City is on the precipice of intense urban warfare as Israeli forces have reportedly advanced to its centre, with Hamas fighters preparing for a ‘final, decisive battle.’ This escalation follows large-scale air strikes and demolitions that have paved the way for Israel’s ground offensive.
Verified footage places an Israeli tank approximately 1.5km from the central al-Shifa hospital, a critical location within Gaza City. Israeli armoured vehicles have also been sighted near the main UN compound in the city’s southern sector. Israel has designated Gaza City as Hamas’s ‘last stronghold,’ aiming to eliminate militants and rescue the remaining 48 hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Thousands of Palestinians have been compelled to flee the city since the ground offensive commenced last week. Hamas’s military commander, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, has reportedly ordered all available fighters to converge on the city, signalling preparations for prolonged street-to-street engagements. A Hamas figure claimed the group could deploy 5,000 fighters, though these figures remain unverified.
The conflict, which began with the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has seen Israel attempting to dismantle Hamas’s tunnel network and adapt to guerrilla tactics. Recent reports indicate the IDF has used explosive-laden, remote-controlled vehicles and quadcopter drones to warn civilians and target Hamas positions.
The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with hundreds of thousands of residents still trapped in Gaza City facing constant bombardment, failing hospitals, and severe shortages of food and water. A UN-backed agency confirmed a famine in the area in late August. Thousands more continue to flee south along the al-Rashid road, facing exorbitant travel costs and leaving behind their possessions.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, Israeli attacks in Gaza have resulted in at least 65,419 fatalities since the war’s inception.
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