Israel Launches Ground Offensive on Gaza City Amid Mounting Humanitarian Crisis
The Israeli military began a large-scale ground offensive on Monday, September 15, 2025, to seize control of Gaza City, a move the Netanyahu government says is aimed at dismantling Hamas. Israeli officials confirmed that additional forces will join the incursion in the coming days.
Why It Matters
The operation marks a major escalation in a war nearing its second year. Analysts warn it could dramatically increase casualties and deepen the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, nearly 65,000 Palestinians—most of them women and children—have been killed since Israel’s offensive began after Hamas’ October 7 attack in 2023.
Latest Developments
- Israeli ground troops entered Gaza City Monday evening after heavy airstrikes leveled dozens of high-rise buildings the IDF said were being used by Hamas.
- The IDF has called on Gaza City’s one million residents to evacuate south to designated “humanitarian areas,” but about 300,000 remain in the city.
- Palestinian media reported Israeli tanks rolling into Gaza City following the strikes.
Behind the Scenes
Israel’s top security chiefs—including IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and the heads of Mossad, Shin Bet, and military intelligence—had reportedly advised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against the offensive, warning it could:
- Endanger the roughly 20 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas.
- Result in heavy Israeli military casualties.
- Fail to dismantle Hamas’ command structure.
- Force Israel into direct military rule over Gaza’s two million residents.
Diplomatic Context
The operation began just hours after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Netanyahu and attended a controversial ceremony with a settler group near Al-Aqsa Mosque. Rubio expressed U.S. support for Israel’s right to self-defense but urged a swift and targeted operation. Two Israeli officials told local media that former President Donald Trump’s administration would not block Israel’s plans but expected the campaign to end quickly.
Trump later warned Hamas not to harm Israeli hostages, writing on Truth Social:
“Don’t let this happen or ALL BETS ARE OFF. RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES NOW!”
Netanyahu thanked Trump for his “unflinching support.” Meanwhile, Israel’s Hostages and Missing Families Forum criticized the decision, accusing the government of putting hostages at risk for political reasons:
“The Prime Minister is consciously choosing to sacrifice them on the altar of political considerations, in complete disregard of security authorities.”
International Reactions
Global leaders and humanitarian organizations have expressed concern over worsening civilian suffering. Calls are mounting for immediate humanitarian corridors and renewed diplomatic efforts to halt the bloodshed.
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