What's happened
As of mid-September 2025, Israel has launched a major military offensive in Gaza City, targeting Hamas infrastructure with airstrikes and ground operations. Over 400,000 Palestinians have evacuated, but thousands remain amid escalating casualties, including civilians. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed strong US support for Israel, emphasizing the need to eliminate Hamas before a better future for Gaza can begin.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Military Escalation
Israel's intensified offensive in Gaza City marks a critical phase in its campaign to dismantle Hamas's control. The use of remote-controlled explosive-laden vehicles and coordinated air and ground strikes demonstrates a tactical shift aimed at minimizing Israeli troop casualties while maximizing pressure on Hamas strongholds.
Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement
The evacuation of over 400,000 Palestinians from Gaza City has created severe overcrowding in southern Gaza, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. Aid groups warn that the displacement will worsen shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, with the UN estimating a daily need for 600 aid trucks.
Diplomatic Dynamics and US Support
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit and statements underscore unwavering American backing for Israel's military objectives, aligning closely with Prime Minister Netanyahu's stance. This unity contrasts with President Trump's more cautious approach, especially regarding strikes in Qatar and ceasefire negotiations.
Political Implications
The offensive complicates prospects for a negotiated settlement, as Israel insists on Hamas's elimination before any peace can be achieved. Meanwhile, European nations push for Palestinian state recognition, which Israel and the US view as counterproductive, potentially emboldening Hamas.
Forecast
The conflict will likely intensify in Gaza City, with prolonged military operations expected. Humanitarian conditions will deteriorate unless aid access improves significantly. Diplomatic efforts face challenges amid divergent international positions, prolonging instability in the region.
What the papers say
Michael Crowley in the New York Times highlights the alignment between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting Rubio's firm stance that "the people of Gaza deserve a better future, but that better future cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated." Crowley also points out tensions between Netanyahu and former President Trump, especially over Israeli strikes in Qatar.
The Times of Israel provides detailed accounts of the military offensive, reporting that "Israeli forces continued to bombard the city and other parts of the Strip," with the IDF striking around 140 targets in 24 hours. It notes the humanitarian toll, citing Hamas-run health authorities reporting over 64,000 deaths, though verification is difficult.
South China Morning Post offers a vivid portrayal of the humanitarian crisis, quoting residents like Ahmed Ghazal who describe "heavy, relentless bombing" and people trapped under rubble. It also covers Rubio's visit, emphasizing his support for Israel and criticism of Hamas as "barbaric animals."
Gulf News and The Japan Times focus on Rubio's diplomatic visit, with Gulf News quoting Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz saying "Gaza City... was 'on fire'" and Rubio warning of a "very short window of time in which a deal can happen."
The New Arab and SBS provide context on the diplomatic tensions, including Trump's cautious remarks on Qatar and the US's refusal to join European calls for an immediate halt to Israeli operations, underscoring the complexity of international responses.
Together, these sources illustrate a multifaceted conflict involving intense military action, severe humanitarian consequences, and complex diplomatic maneuvering.
How we got here
The conflict escalated after Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking hostages. Israel responded with a prolonged military campaign in Gaza, aiming to dismantle Hamas. Recent operations focus on Gaza City, the largest urban center in the Strip, amid international calls for ceasefire and humanitarian aid.
Go deeper
- What are the humanitarian impacts of the Gaza City offensive?
- How is the US involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict?
- What are the prospects for a ceasefire or peace negotiations?
Common question
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Why Is the US Supporting Israel Now?
The US has reaffirmed its support for Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, raising questions about the reasons behind this backing. Many wonder what recent developments have prompted increased US involvement and how this support impacts regional stability. Below, we explore the key factors driving US support and what it means for the conflict and humanitarian situation.
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Why Is the US Supporting Israel Now in the Gaza Conflict?
The ongoing Gaza conflict has drawn international attention, especially regarding the US's unwavering support for Israel. Many wonder why the US is backing Israel at this critical time and what it means for regional stability. Below, we explore the main reasons behind this support, the causes of the conflict, and how other countries are responding to the crisis.
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What’s the Latest on the Gaza Conflict and Israel’s Military Actions?
The situation in Gaza has escalated dramatically with Israel launching a major offensive and ordering evacuations. People are asking what’s happening now, why these actions are taking place, and what the humanitarian impact is. Below, we answer the most common questions about the current conflict, regional security, and international responses to help you understand the latest developments.
More on these topics
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Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Gaza City, often simply called Gaza, is a city in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, and the capital of the Gaza Governorate. Located on the Mediterranean coast, 76.6 kilometres (47.6 mi) southwest of Jerusalem, it was home to Palestine's only port. With a popula
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is a country located in Western Asia, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to: