The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on 16/9 that it had begun destroying Hamas infrastructure in Gaza City, confirming the launch of an offensive into the northern Gaza Strip city. IDF Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, warned that Gaza City had become a battlefield and remaining there would endanger civilians.

In the first phase of the operation, named "Gideon B's Chariot," which began several weeks ago, the Israeli air force bombarded Hamas positions, including several high-rise buildings. The IDF also carried out several military operations on the outskirts of Gaza City and on some streets in the east of the city.

Currently, tens of thousands of soldiers, belonging to the 162nd Infantry Division and the 98th Paratrooper Division, are expanding operations in the city. In the coming days, the 36th Infantry Division and thousands more soldiers will join the fight in Gaza City.

Israeli armored vehicles move along the border with the Gaza Strip on 16/9. Photo: AP

Israeli armored vehicles move along the border with the Gaza Strip on 16/9. Photo: AP

Before the IDF divisions entered the city, the Israeli air force intensely bombed Gaza City. "Gaza City is in flames. The IDF is attacking the infrastructure of the armed groups with an iron fist," then-Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said. "We will not compromise and will not back down until we complete the mission."

The IDF stated that in the coming days, Israeli infantry will advance deeper into Gaza City and surround the city to defeat Hamas forces there. The IDF estimates that thousands of Hamas members remain hidden in Gaza City, along with about 600,000 civilians who have not yet evacuated.

The Israeli military called up about 60,000 reserve soldiers for the new operation targeting Gaza City, in addition to the approximately 70,000 soldiers already in the reserve force. Despite reports of soldiers being exhausted, the IDF stated that the participation rate of reserve troops in the operation is very high, at 75-85% in each unit.

A few hours before the IDF entered Gaza City, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed support for Israel's campaign. Rubio stated that the US wants to end the conflict peacefully, but said "we must be prepared for the possibility that this scenario will not happen".

However, some countries reacted strongly to Israel's operation. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized the IDF's campaign as "reckless and appalling" and called for an immediate ceasefire.

A spokesperson for the European Commission (EC) announced that the European Union (EU) agreed to impose new sanctions on Israel on 17/9, including the suspension of some trade provisions.

Some cities in the Gaza Strip. Graphics: BBC

Some cities in the Gaza Strip. Graphics: BBC

The Hamas attack on southern Israel on 7/10/2023 killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians. Of the 251 hostages taken, 47 are still being held in Gaza with about 20 believed to be alive. Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed nearly 65,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to figures from Gaza health authorities.

Last month, Hamas agreed to a proposed ceasefire and the phased release of hostages. However, Israel demanded that Hamas immediately release all hostages, disarm, relinquish control of the Gaza Strip, and meet several other conditions.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, Reuters, Al Jazeera)