On Tuesday, September 16, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have initiated a ground assault on Gaza City, marking a critical escalation in the ongoing conflict. Military sources estimate that over 350,000 Palestinians-approximately 40% of Gaza City’s residents-have already evacuated, with numbers expected to rise as hostilities intensify.
The operation commenced on the outskirts of Gaza City, accompanied by intensified air raids and the targeted destruction of multi-story buildings. Palestinian news outlets reported severe bombardments in neighborhoods such as Sheikh Radwan, al-Karama, and Tel al-Hawa. Eyewitnesses recounted seeing armored tanks maneuvering through central streets, while artillery units and attack helicopters relentlessly struck northern sectors of the city. Local accounts detailed 37 airstrikes within a 20-minute span, with explosions audible as far away as Tel Aviv.
Medical facilities, including Al-Shifa Hospital and the Baptist Hospital, treated numerous injured civilians overnight, among them many children. Graphic footage captured survivors covered in blood and grieving relatives mourning over bodies wrapped in traditional white burial cloths.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, “Gaza is engulfed in flames. The IDF is striking terrorist infrastructure with unwavering force, and our troops are demonstrating courage to establish the conditions necessary for hostages-arrest-150-terrorists-week/” title=”Heroic Troops Rescue 117 … and Capture 150 Terrorists in Just One Week – DHQ Reports”>rescuing hostages and defeating Hamas. We will persist until our mission is fulfilled.”
Multiple IDF divisions are actively engaged in this large-scale ground offensive aimed at reclaiming Gaza City. Reports suggest that Hamas militants have exposed some hostages in public areas, using them as human shields to deter attacks.
The United Nations has issued warnings about the potential for massive forced displacement of civilians due to the invasion. Meanwhile, families of hostages gathered outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, accusing the Prime Minister of risking their loved ones’ lives for political gain. The Hostages Families Forum expressed grave concern, stating this could be the final night for many hostages struggling to survive. Protesters pledged to continue their demonstrations, criticizing Netanyahu for avoiding direct communication.
Within Israel’s military leadership, opinions diverge regarding the offensive’s dangers. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir cautioned that a full-scale takeover of Gaza City might lead to significant Israeli casualties and jeopardize hostage safety. Conversely, Netanyahu maintained that advancing the ground campaign would intensify pressure on Hamas and potentially bring about a conclusive resolution.
This ground operation represents the most substantial phase of the conflict to date, with Israel and the United States united in their commitment to defend shared values against extremist threats.
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