Israel has significantly bolstered its military presence along the Gaza border, with reservists responding to call-up orders in preparation for a planned offensive to capture Gaza City. This development comes nearly two years into the conflict between Israel and Hamas militants. The Israeli military has warned Palestinians remaining in Gaza City to evacuate, citing expanding combat operations and the need to ensure safety. However, many residents are unconvinced that another displacement will keep them safe, and the International Committee of the Red Cross has deemed the mass evacuation “unfeasible and incomprehensible”.
The planned offensive aims to seize Gaza City, Hamas’s stronghold, where the militant group is believed to maintain a vast tunnel network. Israel’s military has repeatedly invaded parts of Gaza City, including the neighborhoods of Zeitoun and Shijaiyah, during the ongoing war against Hamas. The conflict began with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, resulting in significant casualties and hostages being taken.
The situation in Gaza City is dire, with at least 85 people killed in Israeli strikes recently. The city is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands displaced, facing twin threats of combat and famine. Malnutrition-related deaths have mounted, and civilian infrastructure has been severely damaged, exacerbating the crisis. The UN estimates that nearly a million people live in and around Gaza City, where a famine has been declared.
The international community has expressed concern over the potential consequences of Israel’s actions, with some labeling the planned offensive as “ethnic cleansing”. Gideon Levy, a columnist with Israeli news outlet Haaretz, has criticized Israel’s plan, stating that it amounts to ethnic cleansing. The US has provided significant military aid to Israel, while also facing criticism for its role in the conflict.
