Israel began the main stage of its long-anticipated ground offensive into Gaza City on September 16, 2025, amid intense bombardments and widespread destruction.
An Israeli military official confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had launched the critical phase of their ground operation targeting Hamas’s terrorist infrastructure in Gaza City, the largest urban area in the Gaza Strip.
Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on X that "Gaza is ablaze" as the IDF fights to dismantle Hamas and create conditions for the release of hostages held by the militant group.
The offensive follows weeks of Israeli troops maneuvering around Gaza City’s periphery and heavy air and naval strikes intensified overnight, reducing many homes to rubble.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the mission to seize Gaza City, known as Hamas’s final stronghold responsible for the surprise attack on Israel in October 2023 that triggered the ongoing conflict.
Residents have been ordered to evacuate the city, with an estimated 320,000 people already having fled, though verification remains difficult. Around 650,000 remain in Gaza City amid extreme dangers.
The United States has shown clear support for Israel’s military action while also seeking diplomatic solutions to end the conflict.
Health officials in Gaza report at least 24 fatalities during early ground assaults, with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties.
The ground offensive marks a significant escalation in the conflict, risking further devastation and humanitarian crisis in the densely populated enclave.