Military officials have announced that Israel has begun its long-threatened land operation into the crowded neighborhoods of central Gaza.
Operation Called as "Primary" Campaign
One Israeli Defense Forces commander stated that forces had commenced what he referred to as the “central operation” of the operation, with an nighttime advance from the edges in the direction of the downtown area.
“Last night we began expanding our operations further into the city,” an defense official said. “This is a step-by-step thing. It is not a black or white thing. But yesterday was a significant move in progress … in operations on the ground.”
Coordinated Operation Targeting Hamas Stronghold
“This phase is involves a combined and gradual action employing precise information, aerial and infantry forces targeting the militant group's main base and designed to disrupting its influence in this area,” the representative added.
The official continued that IDF troops were anticipating to meet substantial resistance from up to 3,000 Hamas and allied fighters in the urban area.
“A number of them, we believe, have been there from the start the conflict and are preparing to fight with our forces above ground and underground,” he said.
United Nations Report and Israeli Response
The offensive was launched on a day when a UN group of humanitarian experts issued a report alleging the state of perpetrating war crimes.
“It is clear that there is an purpose to eliminate the people in the territory through measures that fulfill the criteria set forth in the genocide convention,” said the head of the inquiry.
The Israeli foreign ministry denied the commission’s report as “inaccurate and misleading”.
Israel Katz, stated in an early morning post on X: “Gaza is burning. The IDF is striking enemy positions with an firm hand.”
“We will not relent until the objective is achieved,” the minister continued.
Local Reports and Warning Alerts
Urban residents reported a night of intense bombardment preceding the offensive was launched.
Israeli forces estimates that a significant portion of the estimated 1 hundred thousand people of the area and its suburbs have thus far left after military evacuation orders. Authorities advised those still present to heed and to move to the south.
The Arabic-speaking official for the military, Col Avichay Adraee, declared: “Israeli forces has begun destroying militant infrastructure in Gaza City.”
“Gaza City is a high-risk war area. Staying in the city endangers you,” he advised on social media.
Government Statements
Benjamin Netanyahu, confirmed on that day that “an extensive operation in Gaza” had begun during the night, stating that “The country is at a pivotal stage.”
The prime minister was speaking at a hearing of his court proceedings in a Israeli court and cited the operation as an reason why he could not participate in extended or regular court meetings.
His critics have consistently claimed that he has prolonged the Gaza war to postpone voting, stay in office and thereby preserve his protection from prosecution.
Global Context
The offensive was initiated in the aftermath of a brief visit from the American diplomat, the representative, who had assured “strong” American support for the country.
In line with what has been viewed in the country as a international backing for the operation, the former U.S. leader used his online account earlier to spread an unconfirmed report that militants had brought a number of the believed 20 surviving hostage persons on open areas to be used as shields.
Trump told the group: “Don’t let this happen or, ALL ‘BETS’ ARE OFF.”
