Axios reported on 15/9 that Israeli officials said their military had launched a ground offensive against Gaza City, aiming to seize control of the city and eliminate Hamas units entrenched there.
Palestinian media outlets in the Gaza Strip reported on the same day that the Israeli air force conducted large-scale airstrikes on Gaza City before tanks and armored vehicles entered the city.
Israeli officials have not commented on the reports.
Former US President Donald Trump later urged Hamas not to harm any surviving hostages. "I hope the Hamas leaders understand what will happen to them if they do so. Don't let that happen, or all commitments will be cancelled. Release all hostages immediately," he said.
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Israeli tanks and armored vehicles in the Gaza Strip on 5/9. Photo: IDF |
The ground offensive follows days of intensified airstrikes by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Gaza City, leveling dozens of high-rise buildings they allege Hamas uses for military purposes.
The IDF's operation is considered an escalation in the nearly two-year conflict. Many countries and international organizations fear an Israeli assault on Gaza City will exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the area.
Top Israeli security and defense officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, along with the heads of military intelligence, Mossad, and the Shin Bet, have advised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching a ground offensive in Gaza City.
According to the officials, such an operation could endanger the lives of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip and cause heavy IDF casualties. It also might not completely eradicate Hamas and could force Israel to establish a military administration to directly govern two million residents of the Gaza Strip.
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Some urban areas in the Gaza Strip. Graphic: BBC |
The news broke hours after former US Senator Marco Rubio met with Prime Minister Netanyahu and senior cabinet members. Two Israeli officials said Rubio told Netanyahu that the Trump administration supported a ground offensive by the IDF but wanted it to be swift and conclude as soon as possible.
According to a US official, the Trump administration would not restrain Israel and gave it the green light to make its own decisions regarding operations in the Gaza Strip. "This is not Mr. Trump's war, but Prime Minister Netanyahu's, and he will decide what happens next," the official said.
The Hamas attack on southern Israel on 7/10/2023 killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians. Of the 251 hostages taken, 47 are still held in Gaza, with an estimated 20 believed to be alive. Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed nearly 65,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Gaza health officials.
Last month, Hamas agreed to a proposed timed ceasefire and the phased release of hostages. However, Israel demands the immediate release of all hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, and the relinquishment of its control over the Gaza Strip, among other conditions.
Nguyen Tien (According to Reuters, Axios, Times of Israel)
