Jerusalem (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Israel has launched a major ground offensive on Gaza City, escalating the two-year war and targeting Hamas amid rising civilian risks and global pressure.
As reported by The Telegraph, Israel triggered a ground offensive in Gaza City, escalating the conflict in the densely populated territory.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance on the new Gaza City offensive
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the IDF to seize Gaza City, calling it a Hamas stronghold behind the October 2023 attack. He confirmed that Israeli forces have “launched a major operation in Gaza.”
IDF confirms new Gaza offensive, escalating nearly two-year war, risking more civilian deaths amid UN claims of genocide.
Israeli forces have been operating on Gaza City’s outskirts for weeks, destroying high-rise buildings. They are moving closer to the city centre, where about one million Palestinians were sheltering.
What did Israel Katz say about Gaza and the IDF offensive?
Israel Katz, Israel’s defence minister, warned, “Gaza is burning” ahead of a new ground offensive in Gaza City.
He added,
“The IDF strikes with an iron fist at the terrorist infrastructure and IDF soldiers are fighting bravely to create the conditions for the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas.”
Avichay Adraee’s warning to Gaza residents about the offensive
IDF Arabic spokesperson Col Avichay Adraee warned Gaza City residents via social media.
He said,
“The IDF has begun dismantling Hamas terrorist infrastructure in Gaza City. Gaza City is a dangerous combat zone. Remaining in the city endangers you.”
Mr Adraee added,
“For your safety, evacuate as quickly as possible to the published safe areas, by vehicle or on foot, via the Al-Rashid corridor, south of Wadi Gaza. Join the over 40% of the city’s residents who have already evacuated to protect their own safety and that of their loved ones.”
What did UN investigators say about Israel’s actions in Gaza?
UN inquiry concludes Israel has engaged in genocide in Gaza, aiming to destroy the Palestinian population since October 2023.
Navi Pillay, head of the UN Independent International Commission investigating rights in occupied Palestinian territories, said,
“We came to the conclusion that genocide is occurring in Gaza and is continuing to occur, and the responsibility lies with the State of Israel.”
The UN cited mass killings, blocked aid, and forced relocations in Gaza as evidence of genocide. It also pointed to the demolition of a fertility clinic to support its findings.
According to the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, genocide involves crimes aimed at destroying a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group in whole or in part.
The UN commission concluded that Israel committed four acts of genocide: killing and causing serious harm. It also found that Israel imposed destructive living conditions and measures to prevent births.
The Israeli government has rejected genocide allegations, currently under review by the International Court of Justice.
What did Netanyahu say about Muslim immigration and Israel’s isolation?
Benjamin Netanyahu sparks backlash in Israel over remarks blaming European Muslim immigration and Qatar, China-backed social media.
Tel Aviv market falls as he warns of “super Sparta” future, hinting at self-reliance and militarisation of Israel.
Mr Netanyahu claims Israel’s diplomatic isolation is driven by outsiders, calling it “a siege organised by several states.”
He stated,
“One is China, and the other is Qatar. And they are organising an attack on Israel, legitimacy, in the social media of the western world and the United States.”
The prime minister said,
“The second thing is something that they can do uniquely in western Europe. Western Europe has large Islamist minorities. They’re vocal. Many of them are politically motivated. They align with Hamas, they align with Iran.”
He added,
“They pressure the governments of Western Europe, many of whom are kindly disposed to Israel, but they see that they are being overtaken, really, by campaigns of violent protest and constant intimidation.”
David Lammy’s stance on UK aid and humanitarian access in Gaza
Former UK Foreign Secretary and current Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, stated in a statement,
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with famine in Gaza City and women and girls bearing the brunt of the suffering. The UK is doing all we can to improve the situation but we remain crystal clear: for aid to have impact, Israel must ensure it is allowed in and delivered safely and securely to civilians in desperate need.”
He added,
“This extra £3m funding can only have maximum impact if the government of Israel allows it. Israel must ensure protection of civilians including healthcare staff and health infrastructure, and enable the delivery of life-saving medicines, medical equipment and healthcare supplies into Gaza.”
Key facts about the Gaza-Israel war
The conflict started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas killed 1,195 Israelis and took 251 hostages. Gaza’s death toll is estimated between 64,000 and 84,000, with most victims being civilians.
Widespread displacement and destruction of infrastructure have worsened the humanitarian crisis, while famine conditions have intensified due to Israel’s tightened blockade.