⚠️ Gaza City saw a massive ground push by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sep 15, marking the largest urban offensive in years. Local officials report dozens of casualties, with many residents caught in the crossfire.
Here’s what’s happening:
- Operation scale: The IDF launched a "large-scale ground operation," backed by heavy airstrikes. Units from the 98th and 162nd Armored Divisions entered the city at night, and the 36th Division is set to join soon. 🛡️
- Civilian impact: Officials say over 53 Palestinians were killed across the Gaza Strip, most in Gaza City. Hundreds of thousands of residents remain despite evacuation orders—high costs, danger on the road, and health issues make fleeing nearly impossible.
- Troop buildup: Israel has mobilized around 130,000 reservists, planning to encircle the city completely. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that "Gaza is burning" and vowed to strike Hamas with an "iron fist."
International reactions have been swift:
- United States: Secretary of State Marco Rubio backed Israel’s right to defend itself but stressed the need for diplomatic solutions.
- European Union: Plans new sanctions, including trade suspensions, warning that the operation will worsen the humanitarian crisis and threaten hostages.
- United Nations: Human Rights Chief Volker Türk condemned the assault as "totally and utterly unacceptable" and called for an end to the carnage.
- UK & France: British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper labelled the offensive "reckless and appalling." Britain and France may recognize Palestinian independence soon.
- Domestic voices: Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticised the plan as "amateurish," while Hamas slammed U.S. support as biased and exhibiting "double standards."
This escalation underscores the high stakes and deep humanitarian toll in Gaza City. We’ll keep you updated as the situation unfolds. 🌍✨
Reference(s):
Dozens killed as Israel mounts major ground offensive in Gaza City
cgtn.com
