According to The Guardian, on September 16, 2025, an Israeli military official, speaking anonymously under military guidelines, confirmed the start of the “main phase” of the Gaza City operation, with troops advancing from the city’s outskirts toward its center.
This ground offensive follows a sustained period of heavy airstrikes that have pounded Gaza City, reducing towers and infrastructure to rubble, according to an Associated Press report.
The official estimated that around 2,000 to 3,000 Hamas militants remain in Gaza City, alongside a network of tunnels used by the group.
After nearly two years of conflict, Hamas’s military strength has been significantly weakened, shifting its tactics primarily to guerrilla-style attacks where small groups plant explosives or strike military outposts before quickly withdrawing.
The ground offensive marks a new intensity in Israel’s prolonged campaign against Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip.
Israeli forces aim to dismantle Hamas’s remaining capabilities while facing urban combat challenges in a densely populated and heavily fortified city.
The operation comes amid continued international attention and concern over the humanitarian impact on Gaza’s civilian population.
Heavy airstrikes preceding the ground assault have caused significant destruction and loss of life, exacerbating an already dire situation.
Despite the diminished power of Hamas, Israeli forces face the complexities of urban warfare against militants using guerrilla tactics and tunnels, which complicate efforts to clear the city efficiently and safely.
This operation is another chapter in the nearly two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas, characterized by repeated escalations, high casualties, and ongoing debates about military strategy and humanitarian consequences. See, More, Here>>>>
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