Prolonged combat anticipated for Gaza City, as stated by the Israeli military
In the heart of the ongoing conflict, Gaza City finds itself at a critical juncture. Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a stark warning, stating that the city could face the fate of Rafah and Beit Hanun if Hamas does not accept Israel's conditions for ending the war.
The city is currently grappling with a devastating famine, as confirmed by the United Nations. The humanitarian crisis has left over 800,000 to one million Palestinians in dire straits, with limited access to food and basic necessities.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for a faster implementation of the offensive, despite concerns from the Israeli military about the challenges ahead. The army leadership fears exacerbating the already tense situation among reservists due to low readiness.
The Israeli army has been actively destroying homes and streets in Gaza City, causing panic and prompting some families to flee. The military estimates that the destruction of Gaza City could take over a year, both above and below ground.
The cities of Rafah and Beit Hanun in Gaza were practically completely destroyed by the Israeli army, displacing a large portion of the population.
In an attempt to bypass UN aid organizations and prevent Hamas from diverting humanitarian aid, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by Israel and the US, has been responsible for distributing rations at a few distribution centers in the south of Gaza.
However, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Security personnel deployed by the GHF and the Israeli military have repeatedly opened fire on those seeking help, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 people, according to the United Nations and Palestinian authorities.
Despite the ongoing violence, Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to build a camp in the south of Gaza that would initially accommodate 600,000 Palestinians. The plan, however, stipulates that people would not be allowed to leave the "humanitarian city" camp.
The Israeli military has continued operations in the suburbs of Gaza City and in Jabalia. The army has warned of significant challenges in a planned offensive on Gaza City, but Israel decided on the plan to capture Gaza City in July, with the ground offensive expected to begin several weeks later.
Recent artillery shelling in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City has claimed at least six lives, adding to the mounting casualties. The international community is urging both sides to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza City.
