The conflict in the Middle East has entered a dramatic new phase as Israel launched a ground incursion into Gaza City on September 16, 2025. Backed by heavy airstrikes, artillery fire, and naval bombardments, Israeli forces are pressing into the heart of the city in what officials describe as the largest ground operation since the war began.
The Operation Unfolds
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the offensive is designed to dismantle Hamas’s command centers, tunnel networks, and weapons stockpiles. Troops are working in close coordination with air and intelligence units, using combined firepower to target what the IDF calls “terror infrastructure.” Defense Minister Israel Katz declared, “Gaza is burning,” as Israeli armored vehicles and infantry advanced into urban neighborhoods.
Military analysts believe the operation is a strategic push to cripple Hamas’s control in northern Gaza while also applying pressure to secure the release of Israeli hostages still held by the militant group.
Humanitarian Fallout
The incursion has sparked a mass exodus from Gaza City. Israel has ordered hundreds of thousands of residents to move southward for safety, yet many civilians remain trapped in the city amid bombardment. UN agencies estimate that about 40% of Gaza City’s population has fled, but conditions in overcrowded shelters in the south are rapidly deteriorating.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has described the situation as “inhumane,” warning that forcing children and families to flee under constant fire poses severe risks. Shortages of food, water, and medicine are worsening as the fighting intensifies.
Global Reactions
The escalation has drawn strong international attention. A UN human rights panel recently accused Israel of committing genocide — allegations Israel categorically denies. Washington has reaffirmed its support for Israel’s right to self-defense, but global leaders are increasingly calling for restraint to prevent further civilian casualties.
Meanwhile, images of mass displacement and destruction are fueling protests worldwide, with humanitarian groups demanding an immediate ceasefire. Analysts warn that the ground operation could widen the conflict, drawing in regional actors and complicating already fragile diplomatic efforts.
What’s Next?
The IDF has not disclosed how long the ground incursion will last, but officials say the operation marks the beginning of an “expanded phase” of the war. Military sources indicate that the battle for Gaza City could be prolonged, as Hamas fighters are believed to be deeply entrenched within dense urban areas and tunnel networks.
For now, Gaza City stands at the center of the conflict, with Israeli forces pushing deeper and civilians bearing the brunt of the devastation. As the fighting escalates, the world watches closely, bracing for what could become one of the most decisive — and deadly — chapters of the ongoing war.
