Israel Launches Military Operation to Secure Gaza City

Israel’s military has initiated a significant operation aimed at taking control of Gaza City. On Wednesday, Brigadier General Effie Defrin confirmed that Israeli forces have begun encircling the city as part of a broader strategy to confront Hamas. This announcement follows an engagement with Hamas militants south of Khan Younis, which resulted in injuries to Israeli soldiers.

In his statement, Brigadier General Defrin characterized Hamas as a “battered and bruised” guerrilla force, indicating a shift in the military dynamics within the region. He asserted, “We will deepen the attack on Hamas in Gaza City, a stronghold of governmental and military terror for the terrorist organization.” The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly commenced preliminary operations, holding positions at the outskirts of Gaza City.

Calls for Ceasefire Amid Escalating Tensions

In response to the escalating military actions, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Speaking from Japan, he emphasized the urgent need for a halt to operations, stating, “It is vital to reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza to avoid the death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza City would inevitably cause.” His plea underscores the humanitarian concerns surrounding the ongoing conflict.

On the ground, Israeli military preparations are intensifying, with tens of thousands of reservists mobilized on Wednesday. Despite the international outcry regarding potential humanitarian crises, an IDF official indicated that reservists would not be deployed until September 2025, allowing time for diplomatic efforts to address ceasefire terms between Israel and Hamas.

Clashes have already occurred, with reports detailing an encounter between Israeli troops and over 15 Hamas militants near Khan Younis. The militants emerged from tunnel systems, launching an attack that severely injured one Israeli soldier and lightly wounded two others. Hamas’s Al-Qassam Brigades acknowledged conducting a raid against Israeli forces, claiming to have inflicted casualties during a prolonged engagement.

As the military operation unfolds, the potential for further escalation remains high, raising concerns about the safety and displacement of Palestinian civilians in the region. The situation continues to develop, and both local and international observers are closely monitoring the actions and responses from both sides.