Israel Approves Gaza City Ground Offensive Amid Global Outcry

Future of 1 Million Palestinians Uncertain as Military Operation Looms

A decision by Israel’s security cabinet to launch a new ground offensive targeting Gaza City has ignited widespread international condemnation, placing the future of approximately one million Palestinians in extreme peril. The proposed operation signals a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Divisions Emerge Over Controversial Plan

The offensive, championed by Prime Minister **Benjamin Netanyahu**, aims for complete control of Gaza’s largest urban center. While awaiting full cabinet endorsement, the plan has already prompted a suspension of German military exports to Israel. Reports suggest a deep rift has opened between **Netanyahu** and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) leadership over the strategy.

Hamas leadership has asserted that **Netanyahu**’s plan effectively abandons the hostages seized during the October 2023 attack, accusing the prime minister of prioritizing his personal and ideological interests. Previously, **Netanyahu** had articulated a vision for full Israeli control of Gaza, to be transferred to Arab factions opposing Hamas.

IDF Chief Warns of “Trap” Amidst Preparations

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. **Eyal Zamir** reportedly cautioned **Netanyahu** that the proposed Gaza City operation could be a “trap,” endangering the estimated 20 remaining hostages and further straining the Israeli military after nearly two years of regional hostilities. Despite these reservations, **Zamir** has pledged to execute the government’s directives.

“We are advancing detailed preparations at the highest level, accounting for all possible outcomes. As always, we will carry out the mission with utmost precision and determination.”

—Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, IDF Chief of Staff

Commercial satellite imagery observed by NBC indicates a significant buildup of Israeli military vehicles near the Gaza Strip’s edge, suggesting an imminent ground operation. The U.S. has not publicly opposed the plan, with President **Donald Trump** stating that decisions regarding Gaza are “pretty much up to Israel.”

Netanyahu’s Five-Point Objective

The Israeli prime minister’s office outlined five key objectives for the campaign: disarming Hamas, repatriating all hostages, demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, asserting security control over the territory, and establishing a new civil administration independent of Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.

Gaza City has been subjected to repeated Israeli bombardments and ground incursions, with militants frequently regrouping in the devastated areas. The proposed offensive would necessitate the evacuation of approximately one million residents from Gaza City and surrounding regions to designated zones in the southern Gaza Strip. Some reports indicate the planned evacuation was slated for completion by October 7.

International Condemnation Mounts

The Israeli security cabinet’s decision has sparked protests both within Israel and internationally. Families of hostages are expressing deep concern that the escalation could endanger their loved ones. Former Israeli security officials have also voiced opposition, warning of a protracted quagmire with minimal strategic gains.

Israeli opposition leader **Yair Lapid** criticized the cabinet’s move as a “disaster” that would lead to further calamities, including the deaths of hostages and soldiers, significant financial costs, and diplomatic isolation.

German Chancellor **Friedrich Merz** stated that Israel’s objectives of disarming Hamas and freeing hostages become increasingly difficult to comprehend under the current strategy. He announced that Germany would halt military equipment exports usable in Gaza “until further notice.”

British Prime Minister **Keir Starmer** deemed Israel’s decision “wrong” and urged an immediate reconsideration, predicting it would “bring more bloodshed” rather than peace or hostage liberation. The UN human rights chief, **Volker Türk**, called for an immediate halt to the plan, while the EU Council president, **António Costa**, suggested that implementation should have repercussions for EU-Israel relations.

The conflict has had a devastating impact on civilians. According to Gaza’s health ministry, the Israeli military offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 61,000 Palestinians, predominantly civilians. This figure excludes those believed to be buried under rubble or impacted indirectly by the war’s consequences. A recent study published in The Lancet suggests the actual death toll may be up to 40% higher than official figures (The Lancet, 2025).

Aya Mohammad, a displaced resident of Gaza City, expressed the profound trauma of repeated displacement: “Where should we go? We have been displaced and humiliated enough. You know what displacement is? Does the world know? It means your dignity is wiped out, you become a homeless beggar, searching for food, water and medicine.”

Over the past 24 hours, at least 42 Palestinians were reported killed in Israeli airstrikes and ground operations across southern Gaza, according to local hospital reports.