Israeli military forces have commenced a significant operation in Gaza City, one of the last havens for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians amid ongoing conflict. Over 1.2 million civilians now call Gaza City home. The intensifying violence now endangers many of them, exposing them to a new displacement—beyond the multiple displacements they have suffered over the course of this armed conflict. So far, the Israeli government has not accepted Hamas’ ceasefire proposals, mediated through Qatar and Egypt. This most recent attack comes during this depressing quiet.
Gaza City remains the largest city in the Gaza Strip. Placed on the rocky, golden beaches of the Mediterranean, it was a little called over 75km southwest of Jerusalem. Historically, it housed around 700,000 residents before war escalated, but as of recent reports, the population has swelled due to the influx of refugees. Today, most of its nearly 170,000 inhabitants are Palestinian refugees or their descendants. This dire reality exacerbates the urgency of today’s humanitarian crisis as Israeli military operations intensify.
Military Operations and Strategic Goals
In response, the Israeli military re-launched “Operation Gideon’s Chariots.” Their objective appears to be capturing Gaza City, which Israeli officials have frequently described as the heart of Hamas’s hold on power. Meanwhile, Israeli troops have pushed to the gates of the city. In advance of what is expected to be a much more intensive ground offensive, they have mobilized as many as 80,000 reservists.
In a statement announcing the start of operations, Brigadier General Effie Defrin did reiterate the commencement of military maneuvers, saying,
“We have begun the preliminary operations and the first stages of the attack on Gaza City, and already now IDF forces are holding the outskirts of Gaza City.”
The recent military escalation has caused humanitarian organizations to fear a mass displacement of an already vulnerable population. Tens of thousands of Palestinians are evacuating their homes in eastern Gaza City. They are fleeing to more sparsely populated areas to the west and south, searching for safety from the now inevitable advance of ground war.
“We will deepen the attack on Hamas in Gaza City, a stronghold of governmental and military terror for the terrorist organisation.”
The consequences of this military escalation would spell disaster, at best, for civilians trapped in what is becoming a humanitarian crisis. In this crisis, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, conveyed the UN’s alarm. In short, he thinks their action will do more to deepen the crisis experienced by those displaced. He remarked,
Humanitarian Implications
As Israeli forces continue to advance in Gaza, there are increasing fears about people’s access to food, water, and medical care. In August, the United Nations warned that further military action could result in “systematic ethnic cleansing.” Further escalation could severely aggravate an already difficult humanitarian state in Gaza City that is lacking resources from previous aggravated conflicts.
“It’s pretty obvious that it will just create another mass displacement of people who have been displaced repeatedly since this phase of the conflict started.”
Even Hamas has condemned Tel Aviv’s bombardment as a slap in the face to months of mediation efforts. In a statement, they expressed their condemnation:
The international community has closely monitored developments in Gaza City, with calls for a ceasefire growing louder amid fears of escalating violence. Thus far Israel has not engaged seriously with proposals to stop the fighting. The lack of transparency about these ongoing negotiations only increases the stress experienced by people on the ground in Gaza City.
“Today’s announcement by the terrorist occupation army of the start of an operation against Gaza City and its nearly 1 million residents and displaced persons … demonstrates … a blatant disregard for the efforts made by the mediators.”
International Responses and Ceasefire Proposals
Even former President Donald Trump condemned the mistreatment. He has consistently argued that military action against Hamas is necessary for ending the multiple, still-ongoing hostage crises. He stated,
Israel prepares for a new long-term military presence in Gaza City. As many observers have lamented, this conflict will largely serve to entrench divides and prolong Palestinian suffering, an ordeal that has historically already wiped out generations.
“We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be.”
Trump also urged decisive action:
“Play to WIN, or don’t play at all!”
As Israel prepares for continued military engagement in Gaza City, many observers worry that this conflict will further entrench divisions and prolong suffering for Palestinians who have already endured significant hardships.
