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**Gaza City, 8 September 2025** — In an escalation of military operations, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified their presence in Gaza City, conducting extensive searches for hostages taken by Hamas during the recent conflict while simultaneously targeting the group’s infrastructure. This multifaceted operation has drawn both domestic and international attention, highlighting the ongoing complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.
JTVC News
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops have actively entered and are operating within Gaza City as of early September 2025, intensifying their ground offensive against Hamas strongholds. Verified reports confirm that the IDF now controls approximately 40% of Gaza City and is planning further expansion of its operations in the days ahead, following a significant mobilization of reservists to bolster their presence and efforts in the area.[1][2][3]
Details of the Offensive
- IDF Operations: The Israeli military, under the leadership of Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, declared entry into the “second stage” of Operation Gideon’s Chariots. Troops are operating from multiple key positions encircling Gaza City and have begun targeted strikes on infrastructure identified as linked to Hamas.[2][3]
- Advance and Tactics: Tanks and infantry have moved into several neighborhoods, including Sheikh Radwan to the northwest, Tuffah, and Zeitoun. The IDF has conducted both ground and aerial attacks, systematically targeting buildings and civilian shelters suspected of housing militants or terrorist activities.[4][5][3]
- Reservist Mobilization: Over 60,000 reservists have been called up to support the continued combat, logistics, and humanitarian mitigation efforts as operations widen around and within Gaza City.[1][2]
Humanitarian Impact
- Civilian Displacement: Approximately 70,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City within the past week, as airstrikes and ground assaults intensify. Most residents who remain are sheltering in increasingly crowded southern areas or within the city with limited options for safe evacuation.[5][4]
- Casualties and Damage: Confirmed figures from hospitals report that recent airstrikes and artillery shelling in Gaza City have killed dozens of civilians, including women and children. The destruction of high-rise buildings and emergency shelters has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.[3][4][5]
- Blockades and Famine: The United Nations and aid organizations have warned of famine in Gaza City, which was already declared last month. The situation continues to deteriorate as access to food, water, and medical supplies is severely restricted by ongoing military operations.[4]
Official Statements
- Military Leadership: IDF Chief of Staff Zamir emphasized the mission’s objectives: defeating Hamas, rescuing hostages, and restoring security to Israel. He characterized the challenges faced by IDF personnel as among the greatest in the state’s history and reiterated the commitment to “decisive victory”.[2][1]
- Warnings and Evacuations: The Israeli military continues to issue evacuation notices to civilians still in Gaza City, urging them to move south. However, humanitarian groups contend that safe evacuation is nearly impossible under the current conditions.[3][4]
Context
- Scale and Scope: Israel’s current operation in Gaza City follows more than 22 months of conflict since hostilities escalated in October 2023. This campaign represents one of the largest and most sustained ground incursions into Gaza City in recent history.[5][1][3]
- Ongoing Efforts: Fighting is ongoing, with the IDF continuing to expand its control and strike at what it identifies as remaining Hamas strongholds within the city.[2][3]
These facts are based on statements from official IDF press releases, international news outlets, and direct accounts from Gaza City residents and humanitarian organizations as of September 2025.[1][4][5][3][2]
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- https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2025/09/02/israel-prepares-for-wider-gaza-city-battle-with-reservist-call-up/
- https://www.idf.il/en/mini-sites/idf-press-releases-israel-at-war/september-25-pr/the-chief-of-the-general-staff-overlooking-gaza-city-we-have-entered-the-second-stage-of-operation-gideon-s-chariots/
- https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-military-says-it-controls-40-gaza-city-plans-expand-operation-coming-2025-09-04/
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c740lm33wyeo
