Israel Prepares for Ground Assault on Gaza City, Threatens Forced Displacement of Palestinians
In a heightened escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel is reportedly preparing to launch a ground offensive on Gaza City in mid-September, with plans for a forced displacement of the city's approximate one million inhabitants as early as the coming week, according to an Israeli media report published by Israel's Channel 12.
Background and Context
This planned offensive, named Gideon’s Chariots B, follows a series of intensified attacks on Gaza City, described by residents as a “night from hell.” Residents reported relentless Israeli bombardments, including tank shelling and Apache helicopter strikes. Israeli tanks and troops have begun mobilizing on the outskirts of the city, and up to five Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) divisions have been deployed toward the city’s outskirts. The Israeli security cabinet has approved the operation and called up approximately 60,000 reservists for the operation.
Implications and Reactions
The Israeli army has warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the demolition of Gaza City could take over a year if the military goes ahead with its plans. Army Chief Eyal Zamir stated that a humanitarian zone
would be established for the city's residents before the major assault begins. However, Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has reportedly ordered military chief Eyal Zamir to besiege
Gaza City, stating that anyone who doesn’t flee can die of hunger or surrender.
The plan has been met with international outcry. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp and Minister for Foreign Trade Hanneke Boerma have stepped down in protest over their government’s refusal to impose sanctions on Israel for its actions in Gaza. There have also been large-scale pro-Palestinian protests in Australia following the declaration of famine in Gaza.
Current Status
The situation has escalated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with reports of famine and a lack of basic supplies. Gaza’s Civil Defence reported that hundreds of Palestinian bodies remain trapped under collapsed buildings, with heavy shelling and destroyed roads making large-scale rescue efforts impossible.
Israeli forces have reportedly killed at least 51 Palestinians in attacks across the Gaza Strip since dawn. Among the dead are 24 people waiting to receive aid, highlighting the impact of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.
Despite the rising death toll and international outcry, Israeli leadership has repeatedly blocked ceasefire deals with Hamas, even when the Palestinian group accepted its conditions. Israel's Channel 13 investigative programme HaMakor reported that Israel thwarted seven ceasefire agreements over the course of the nearly two-year war on Gaza.