News Today: Israeli military launches preliminary ground assault on Gaza City amid crisis – focus on Hamas stronghold and civilians at risk

The Israeli military has announced the beginning of a ground assault on Gaza City, confirming that its forces are already engaged in “preliminary actions” on the city’s outskirts. Troops are operating in the Zeitoun and Jabalia neighborhoods, laying the foundation for a full-scale offensive aimed at seizing control of the entire city, which Israel has described as a major Hamas stronghold.

Defense Minister Israel Katz approved the operation earlier this week, with the plan awaiting final approval from the Israeli security cabinet. To support the offensive, around 60,000 reservists will be mobilized in early September.

IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said forces had uncovered tunnels and weapons while emphasizing that the campaign aimed to “deepen the damage” to Hamas both above and below ground. Civilians, however, are expected to bear the brunt, with hundreds of thousands ordered to evacuate southward.

Humanitarian groups, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), warned that further displacement could worsen an already catastrophic situation for Gaza’s 2.1 million residents. France’s President Emmanuel Macron condemned the offensive, warning it “can only lead to disaster for both peoples and risks permanent war.”

Hamas has accused Israel of blocking ceasefire negotiations in favor of continuing the conflict. Mediators Qatar and Egypt have presented a 60-day truce proposal, which Hamas says it accepted, but Israel insists only a comprehensive deal involving the release of all hostages will be considered.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 62,122 people have been killed since the conflict erupted after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken.

As Israel intensifies its ground assault on Gaza City, both humanitarian organizations and world leaders warn of deepening tragedy and the risk of irreversible escalation.