Israel’s military chief on Wednesday signed off on the central operational framework for a planned offensive to seize Gaza City, the largest urban area in the territory and a key Hamas stronghold. The announcement came days after Israel’s security cabinet called for the city’s takeover, amid mounting international concern over the war’s humanitarian toll.
Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir approved the “main concept” for the Israel Defence Forces’ Gaza campaign during a meeting with the General Staff Forum, Shin Bet officers and senior commanders. The plan follows a new push in the Zeitoun neighbourhood, where operations began this week. While the timetable for entering Gaza City has not been disclosed, officials indicated the offensive would not begin immediately.
Zamir, who had previously clashed with Defence Minister Israel Katz and expressed reservations over troop fatigue, told commanders to prepare reserve units and improve readiness ahead of the assault. “We are at the start of a new stage in the fighting in Gaza. We will do everything to protect the hostages and bring them home,” he said.
Tensions over strategy and hostage deal
The move comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubles down on military pressure, insisting that all remaining hostages – alive or dead – must be returned before the war ends. Around 50 hostages are still held by Hamas following its 7 October 2023 attack, in which 1,219 people in Israel were killed. Israel believes only about 20 remain alive.
Hamas has demanded a permanent ceasefire, prisoner releases and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for freeing the hostages. Indirect talks brokered by Egypt and Qatar have stalled, but a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo this week for fresh discussions.
Netanyahu has suggested that partial hostage deals are now off the table. “I want all of them,” he told Israel’s i24 News, adding that the war would only end with Hamas’s surrender and continued Israeli security control over Gaza.
Intensified air strikes and rising humanitarian crisis
Israeli air strikes have intensified on Gaza City, particularly in Zeitoun and Sabra, with Gaza’s civil defence agency reporting “very heavy” bombardment of residential areas, including possible high-rise buildings. The Gaza Health Ministry, regarded by the UN as a credible source, says more than 61,599 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, with around half of them women and children.
The United Nations warns that starvation and malnutrition are now at their highest levels since the conflict began. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that 222 people – 121 adults and 101 children – have died from malnutrition-related causes. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said humanitarian aid entering Gaza remains far below the minimum needed, citing delays and restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities.
In a separate incident, the Israeli military claimed it struck militants in Gaza disguised as aid workers, using a vehicle bearing the logo of World Central Kitchen. The charity confirmed the individuals and the car were not affiliated with it and condemned the misuse of humanitarian symbols.
Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir approved the “main concept” for the Israel Defence Forces’ Gaza campaign during a meeting with the General Staff Forum, Shin Bet officers and senior commanders. The plan follows a new push in the Zeitoun neighbourhood, where operations began this week. While the timetable for entering Gaza City has not been disclosed, officials indicated the offensive would not begin immediately.
Zamir, who had previously clashed with Defence Minister Israel Katz and expressed reservations over troop fatigue, told commanders to prepare reserve units and improve readiness ahead of the assault. “We are at the start of a new stage in the fighting in Gaza. We will do everything to protect the hostages and bring them home,” he said.
Tensions over strategy and hostage deal
The move comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubles down on military pressure, insisting that all remaining hostages – alive or dead – must be returned before the war ends. Around 50 hostages are still held by Hamas following its 7 October 2023 attack, in which 1,219 people in Israel were killed. Israel believes only about 20 remain alive.
Hamas has demanded a permanent ceasefire, prisoner releases and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for freeing the hostages. Indirect talks brokered by Egypt and Qatar have stalled, but a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo this week for fresh discussions.
Netanyahu has suggested that partial hostage deals are now off the table. “I want all of them,” he told Israel’s i24 News, adding that the war would only end with Hamas’s surrender and continued Israeli security control over Gaza.
Intensified air strikes and rising humanitarian crisis
Israeli air strikes have intensified on Gaza City, particularly in Zeitoun and Sabra, with Gaza’s civil defence agency reporting “very heavy” bombardment of residential areas, including possible high-rise buildings. The Gaza Health Ministry, regarded by the UN as a credible source, says more than 61,599 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, with around half of them women and children.
The United Nations warns that starvation and malnutrition are now at their highest levels since the conflict began. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that 222 people – 121 adults and 101 children – have died from malnutrition-related causes. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said humanitarian aid entering Gaza remains far below the minimum needed, citing delays and restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities.
In a separate incident, the Israeli military claimed it struck militants in Gaza disguised as aid workers, using a vehicle bearing the logo of World Central Kitchen. The charity confirmed the individuals and the car were not affiliated with it and condemned the misuse of humanitarian symbols.
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