Gaza City — Israel has formally declared Gaza City a “combat zone” and launched an offensive aimed at seizing control of the enclave’s most populous urban center, marking a dramatic escalation in the conflict. The move has triggered widespread international condemnation, particularly from European nations and humanitarian organizations, who warn of catastrophic consequences for civilians already trapped in a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Israeli Offensive Enters New Phase
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the military has entered the “initial stages” of its planned offensive to capture Gaza City, which has endured weeks of aerial bombardment. As part of the campaign, Israel announced the suspension of previously observed “tactical pauses” that allowed limited humanitarian aid convoys to enter the territory.
Military officials argue that the operation is necessary to dismantle Hamas’ stronghold in Gaza, but rights groups caution that the offensive risks massive civilian casualties in one of the world’s most densely populated areas.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has warned that the assault could displace as many as one million Palestinians, many of whom had already sought refuge in Gaza City after fleeing bombardments in southern and central areas.
The UN has also confirmed that a famine has been declared in Gaza, raising fears that the offensive will accelerate widespread starvation. Humanitarian organizations caution that with aid routes blocked and infrastructure destroyed, civilians face “a horrific impact” in the days ahead.
International Backlash and European Divide
The offensive has sparked sharp condemnation from European governments. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain urged Israel to halt operations immediately, warning that the assault would place hostages in further danger and cause “intolerable deaths of innocent Palestinian civilians.”
However, the European Union remains divided on a unified response. While several member states push for stronger measures, including potential sanctions on Israel, others have resisted, highlighting political fractures within the bloc.
Hostages at Risk
As ground operations began, Israel announced the recovery of the remains of two hostages. Hamas, meanwhile, claimed its fighters are on high alert and that hostages are being held within active combat zones, placing them at the same level of risk as combatants.
The hostage crisis remains a central point of contention, with international mediators struggling to balance pressure on Israel with concerns over civilian safety and humanitarian access.
U.S. Response: Ambiguous Support
The United States has not explicitly endorsed or opposed Israel’s expanded assault. Washington has maintained its stance that Israel has the right to defend itself but has faced growing pressure to take a clearer position on humanitarian concerns.
In a move criticized by Palestinian officials, the U.S. also denied visas to members of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) ahead of a scheduled UN General Assembly session. American officials cited the groups’ refusal to issue a full repudiation of terrorism as the reason for the visa rejections.
Outlook: Mounting Pressure on Israel
The coming weeks are likely to test Israel’s international standing as humanitarian groups intensify calls for a ceasefire. Analysts warn that the battle for Gaza City could become the deadliest chapter of the war, amplifying tensions not only in the Middle East but also within Europe and at the UN.
With global condemnation mounting, and humanitarian conditions worsening by the hour, pressure is building on Israel to balance its military objectives with international demands for restraint.
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