Gaza City, August 21, 2025 – Large numbers of Palestinians are fleeing Gaza City after Israel began the first stages of its planned ground offensive, following days of heavy airstrikes and artillery fire. The city, home to over one million residents, is now at the centre of a major military escalation that has triggered global concern and renewed calls for a ceasefire.
Israeli Forces Advance on Gaza City
According to military officials, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have already established a foothold on the outskirts of Gaza City, particularly in the Zeitoun and Jabalia areas. Brigadier General Effie Defrin confirmed that three brigades are currently operating in the region, locating underground tunnels and weapons caches.
Defrin stated that the operation aims to “deepen the damage to Hamas’ terror infrastructure” while claiming efforts are being made to minimize civilian casualties. Evacuation orders for hundreds of thousands of residents are expected in the coming days.
60,000 Reservists Called Up for September Offensive
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the call-up of approximately 60,000 reservists to free active-duty personnel for the operation. He declared he was “shortening the timelines” to capture what he described as “the last terror strongholds” in Gaza.
Defense Minister Israel Katz approved the offensive on Tuesday, with the plan set to be presented to the security cabinet later this week.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
Gaza’s Civil Defence agency reported at least 25 deaths on Wednesday alone, including three children and their parents killed in the Shati refugee camp. The overall death toll in Gaza since the conflict began in October 2023 has reached 62,122, according to the health ministry.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that intensified hostilities could “worsen an already catastrophic situation” for Gaza’s 2.1 million people, many of whom face repeated displacement, food shortages, and lack of medical supplies.
International Condemnation Grows
UN Secretary-General António Guterres renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire “to avoid the death and destruction” that a ground assault would inevitably cause. French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned Israel’s plan, warning it could “plunge the entire region into a cycle of permanent war.”
Mediators from Qatar and Egypt have proposed a 60-day truce with the release of around half the hostages still held in Gaza. Hamas says it has accepted the deal, but Israel has yet to issue a formal response, insisting on a comprehensive agreement that would see all hostages freed.
Hostages Still at Risk
Around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive. Their families fear the ground assault could further endanger them. The ICRC stressed that “any further intensification of military operations will only deepen the suffering… and threaten an irreversible humanitarian crisis.”
Background of the Conflict
The current escalation follows Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and saw 251 others taken hostage. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has now entered its 22nd month, with international pressure mounting for a negotiated ceasefire and humanitarian relief.
