Israel Defence Minister Approves Major Military Offensive to Seize Gaza City

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has approved a major military operation to capture Gaza City, escalating the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas to a new and critical stage.

The plan, known as “Gideon’s Chariots II,” involves the mobilization of approximately 60,000 Israeli reservists, marking one of the largest troop call-ups in recent years.

This operation aims to dismantle Hamas’s entrenched military infrastructure within Gaza City, including underground tunnel networks, weapons storage, and command centers that have enabled attacks against Israeli civilians and forces.

Israeli officials emphasize that controlling Gaza City is essential for neutralizing the militant group’s capabilities and ensuring long-term security for Israel’s southern regions. Defence Minister Katz described the operation as a necessary and decisive step to protect Israeli citizens from ongoing threats.

However, military experts warn that urban combat in such a densely populated area presents significant challenges. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are preparing for intense street-to-street fighting, which is expected to result in heavy casualties and extensive destruction.

Recognizing the potential humanitarian crisis this operation may trigger, the Israeli government has announced plans to evacuate civilians from key areas of Gaza City and establish humanitarian corridors to facilitate the delivery of aid. Despite these measures, international observers remain deeply concerned that the realities of war, combined with the already strained resources in Gaza, could severely limit the effectiveness of these efforts.

The international community has responded swiftly to the announcement. The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations have expressed serious worries about the impact of an intensified military offensive on Gaza’s civilian population, which is already enduring shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies. Several European governments, including those of the United Kingdom and France, have urged Israel to exercise restraint and adhere strictly to international humanitarian law to minimize civilian suffering. Meanwhile, the United States continues to monitor the situation closely, calling for dialogue and caution, though it has stopped short of officially endorsing the operation.

Within Israel, the decision has sparked vigorous debate. Some political and military leaders argue that a firm military response is imperative to eliminate the Hamas threat once and for all, thereby preventing future attacks and securing the nation’s borders. On the other hand, some voices within the government and the military caution against the risks of a protracted urban campaign and potential occupation of Gaza City, warning that such an approach could provoke international condemnation, stretch Israeli forces thin, and complicate prospects for peace in the long term.

As preparations for the offensive move forward, uncertainty surrounds the operation’s duration, potential human cost, and the wider implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The situation remains highly volatile, with diplomatic efforts continuing amid escalating military actions. Humanitarian groups are calling for urgent steps to protect civilians and ensure access to essential aid, stressing that any resolution must address both immediate security concerns and the long-term stability of the region.