Israel says forces operating on Gaza City outskirts

The Israeli army has confirmed that its forces are carrying out operations on the edges of Gaza City in preparation for a broader offensive aimed at taking control of the territory’s largest urban center.

Expanding Operations Near Gaza City

In a statement released this week, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said troops have been operating in the Zeitoun district on the outskirts of Gaza City. Their activities, according to the military, include searching for hidden explosives, targeting Hamas fighters, and dismantling both surface-level and underground infrastructure.

The IDF reported that during these operations, soldiers destroyed a booby-trapped building used to store weapons. The statement also noted that Israeli forces came under fire from an anti-tank missile but that no casualties were sustained.

The military chief of staff confirmed on Wednesday that the operational blueprint for the next stage of the Gaza campaign has been formally approved, signaling an imminent escalation.

Humanitarian and Political Fallout

The announcement follows last week’s decision by Israel’s security cabinet to authorize a large-scale assault on Gaza City, nearly two years into a conflict that has devastated the territory. Residents have reported an increase in airstrikes on residential areas, while Hamas has condemned what it describes as “aggressive” ground incursions in recent days.

International criticism has intensified as the conflict widens, with humanitarian groups warning of worsening conditions in the densely populated strip. At the same time, protests have erupted inside Israel, reflecting growing domestic unease with the government’s military strategy.

Heavy Casualty Toll

The current conflict was sparked by Hamas’ October 2023 attack on southern Israel, which left 1,219 people dead, according to an AFP tally of official figures. In response, Israel launched a sustained military campaign.

Since then, at least 61,827 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry, figures that the United Nations considers credible. The staggering death toll has added to the mounting international pressure on Israel as it prepares to move into one of the most densely populated areas of the enclave.

Outlook: With Israeli forces now positioned around Gaza City and preparing for a major ground push, the coming weeks are likely to bring intensified fighting. The outcome could shape not only the next phase of the war but also the broader regional and international response.