Israeli forces intensified military operations in Gaza City on September 16, 2025, launching a large-scale ground offensive that has drawn global scrutiny. Military spokesperson Effie Defrin described the operation as a multi-phase campaign expected to last 'months,' with troops now controlling significant sections of the city following weeks of aerial bombardments targeting neighborhoods including Jabalia, Zeitoun, and Sheikh Radwan.
The escalation has triggered a new wave of displacement, with thousands of Palestinian families attempting to flee southward through increasingly precarious routes. Many residents report this marks their third or fourth displacement since hostilities began earlier this year, carrying minimal belongings through streets lined with debris.
International organizations have raised alarms about civilian access to essential supplies, though humanitarian corridors remain contested. Analysts suggest the operation reflects Israel's strategic shift toward urban combat tactics, while regional governments continue calls for de-escalation.
