What's happened
As of August 21, 2025, Israel has initiated preliminary operations to seize Gaza City, mobilizing up to 60,000 reservists. The offensive targets Hamas strongholds amid intensified airstrikes and ground clashes. Despite Hamas accepting a ceasefire proposal, Israel demands full hostage release before any truce. The campaign risks worsening Gaza's humanitarian crisis and displacing thousands.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Shift and Military Escalation
Israel's move to occupy Gaza City marks a significant escalation in a nearly two-year conflict. The call-up of 60,000 reservists and intensified ground operations indicate a shift from containment to decisive urban warfare aimed at dismantling Hamas's remaining capabilities.
Humanitarian and Political Implications
The offensive threatens to exacerbate Gaza's dire humanitarian crisis, with heavy bombardments displacing tens of thousands and destroying vital infrastructure. Israel's strategy includes forced displacement of civilians to southern Gaza, raising fears of mass displacement and long-term instability.
Diplomatic Stalemate
Despite Hamas's acceptance of a phased ceasefire proposal involving hostage releases and prisoner exchanges, Israel insists on a comprehensive deal with all hostages freed simultaneously. This impasse prolongs conflict and complicates mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the US.
Internal Israeli Opposition
Within Israel, there is growing dissent from reservists, former military leaders, and families of hostages who fear the offensive will endanger lives without guaranteeing hostage release. This domestic pressure highlights the political complexity surrounding the campaign.
Forecast
The offensive will likely lead to intensified urban combat, increased civilian casualties, and further displacement. Without diplomatic breakthroughs, the conflict risks protraction, with severe regional and international repercussions. The humanitarian situation will deteriorate unless aid access improves significantly.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz approved the call-up of 60,000 reservists to begin an offensive aimed at occupying Gaza City, describing heavy strikes in neighborhoods like Al-Zeitoun and Sabra and accusing Israel of a "scorched earth policy" (The New Arab, Aug 21). South China Morning Post highlights the intensification of bombardments and the Israeli military's statement that troops already hold Gaza City's outskirts, while noting international and domestic opposition to the offensive (SCMP, Aug 21). The Japan Times quotes Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin confirming preliminary operations and Israeli forces holding Gaza City's outskirts, with Prime Minister Netanyahu accelerating the timeline for the offensive (The Japan Times, Aug 21).
The Independent provides insight into internal Israeli debates, noting opposition from reservists and former intelligence chiefs who doubt the feasibility of completely defeating Hamas and warn the offensive could jeopardize hostage release (The Independent, Aug 21). SBS details the diplomatic context, reporting Hamas's acceptance of a ceasefire proposal involving phased hostage release and humanitarian aid, while Israel demands all hostages be freed at once (SBS, Aug 20).
Earlier coverage from The New Arab and The Times of Israel outlines the strategic plan to forcibly displace Gaza City's population before the ground assault, with Israeli officials discussing relocation to southern Gaza and the potential for annexation plans by far-right Israeli politicians (The New Arab, Aug 18; The Times of Israel, Aug 17). The Times of Israel and South China Morning Post also report on the humanitarian toll, including deaths from starvation and airstrikes, and the challenges of aid delivery amid ongoing hostilities (The Times of Israel, Aug 13; SCMP, Aug 13).
These sources collectively illustrate a complex military, humanitarian, and diplomatic crisis, with Israel pressing ahead militarily despite international criticism and stalled ceasefire negotiations.
How we got here
The conflict escalated after Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, killing over 1,200 and abducting 251 hostages. Israel responded with a prolonged military campaign in Gaza, causing over 62,000 Palestinian deaths. Plans to capture Gaza City, Hamas's main stronghold, were approved amid stalled ceasefire talks and growing international concern over civilian suffering.
Go deeper
- What are the humanitarian impacts of the Gaza City offensive?
- How are international mediators responding to the ceasefire proposal?
- What is the status of the hostages held by Hamas?
Common question
-
What Are Israel's Plans for Gaza City?
Israel's recent approval to expand its military operations into Gaza City has raised many questions. With ongoing airstrikes, ground incursions, and concerns over humanitarian impacts, people want to understand what Israel's next steps are, why this escalation is happening now, and what it means for the region. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Israel's military plans and the broader implications of this conflict.
-
What Are Israel's Plans for Gaza Now?
With Israel intensifying its military operations in Gaza, many are asking what the country's next moves are. Recent reports indicate plans for a potential occupation of Gaza City, raising questions about the future of the conflict, civilian safety, and international responses. Here, we explore the current situation and what might come next in this escalating crisis.
-
What’s happening in Gaza right now?
The situation in Gaza is rapidly evolving, with Israel launching a major military offensive against Hamas. Thousands of troops are involved, and intense airstrikes are ongoing. Many are asking what this means for civilians, the prospects for peace, and the broader regional impact. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the current conflict in Gaza.
-
How are countries responding to the Gaza conflict?
The ongoing Gaza conflict has prompted a wide range of international responses, from military actions to diplomatic efforts. Countries around the world are reacting differently based on their interests, alliances, and humanitarian concerns. Understanding these responses helps clarify the global impact of this crisis and what might happen next. Below, we explore how various nations are responding and what that means for global stability.
-
What Are the Biggest Business and News Stories Today?
Stay updated with the latest headlines shaping the world today. From corporate leadership changes and international conflicts to regional crimes and technological shifts, these stories are influencing markets, politics, and everyday life. Curious about how these events connect or impact you? Read on for clear answers to your most pressing questions.
-
What is happening in Gaza right now?
The conflict in Gaza has escalated significantly as Israel launches a major offensive to seize Gaza City. This military operation involves heavy airstrikes and ground clashes, targeting Hamas strongholds amid international concern. Many are asking what this means for civilians, the prospects for a ceasefire, and how the situation might develop. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the current Gaza conflict and its humanitarian impact.
-
Why Is Israel Fighting in Gaza?
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has raised many questions about the reasons behind the fighting. Understanding the background, goals, and current situation can help clarify why this intense military campaign is happening now. Below, we explore the key questions people are asking about this complex crisis.
-
What Are the Biggest News Stories Today?
Stay updated with the latest headlines shaping the world today. From ongoing conflicts and political developments to human interest stories and breakthroughs, this page covers the top news you need to know. Curious about how these stories connect or what they mean for the future? Keep reading for clear, concise answers to your most pressing questions.
More on these topics
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
Eyal Zamir is a major general in Israel Defense Forces. He was the Deputy Chief of the General Staff from December 2018 and was replaced by Herzi Halevi in July 2021.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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:
-
Israel Katz is an Israeli politician who currently serves as a member of the Knesset for Likud and Minister of Finance. He has previously held the posts of Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Transportation, Minister of Intelligence and Minister of Forei