As military operations intensify in the Gaza Strip, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have embarked on what they describe as “the first stages” of a campaign to seize full control of Gaza City. The initiative forms part of a broader effort by Israeli leadership to dismantle Hamas’s remaining strongholds in the besieged enclave.
According to Brigadier General Effie Defrin, an IDF spokesperson, Israeli troops are currently stationed along the city’s perimeter and are preparing to escalate their strikes within the densely populated urban centre.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government approved the strategic shift two weeks ago, reaffirmed his directive to the military. He has pushed for a swift conclusion to the conflict’s next phase, instructing commanders to speed up their timeline for neutralising remaining Hamas resistance.
Military sources revealed to Israeli media that the IDF is expected to submit its operational blueprint for the final takeover of Gaza City to the prime minister by Thursday. This coincides with the mobilisation of an additional 60,000 reservists, signalling a significant expansion of the ongoing campaign.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged suggesting that Israel has opted not to formally respond to a new proposal put forward by Hamas on Monday. The offer reportedly includes the release of ten Israeli hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire. According to Hamas, the proposal was built upon a framework developed by United States special envoy Steve Witkoff, acting under the previous administration of President Donald Trump.
Hamas has condemned Israel’s push into Gaza City, asserting that the military advance disregards ongoing international mediation efforts. The militant group argues that the offensive risks exacerbating the humanitarian crisis already affecting displaced civilians and residents.
On the battlefield, the IDF continues to encounter fierce resistance. On Wednesday, south of Gaza City near Khan Younis, fifteen Hamas operatives emerged from tunnel networks and ambushed Israeli forces using firearms and anti-tank missiles. Three Israeli soldiers were injured in the incident, including one reported to be in serious condition.
The current escalation follows months of devastating warfare in the region. The latest chapter of the conflict was ignited on 7 October 2023, when Hamas fighters crossed into southern Israel, launching a deadly assault that claimed approximately 1,200 lives and resulted in the kidnapping of around 250 individuals. Nearly fifty of those hostages are still believed to be held in Gaza.
Since that attack, Israel has mounted an extensive military campaign across the Gaza Strip. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza, the death toll has surpassed 62,000, with over 156,000 individuals injured. These figures have not been independently verified but reflect the scale of the humanitarian toll as cited by Palestinian authorities.
