Israel Launches Ground Offensive in Gaza City, Sparking Mass Exodus

2025-09-17 global

Gaza City, Tuesday, 16 September 2025.
On 15 September 2025, Israel initiated a ground offensive in Gaza City, intensifying the conflict with Hamas. The operation has led to a massive humanitarian crisis, with thousands fleeing the city.

Escalation of Conflict

On 15 September 2025, Israel commenced a significant military operation in Gaza City, marking a major escalation in its ongoing conflict with Hamas. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reported that this ground offensive aims to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities within the urban stronghold. As part of the operation, heavy airstrikes were conducted on 14 September 2025, further destabilizing the region [2][3][4].

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The ground offensive has resulted in a massive humanitarian crisis. Reports indicate that around 350,000 Palestinians have evacuated Gaza City, seeking refuge in the southern Gaza Strip. The IDF has called for more than 1 million residents to relocate to designated ‘humanitarian zones.’ However, the exodus has congested coastal roads, complicating the already dire situation [3][5][6].

International Reactions and Accusations

The United Nations Commission of Inquiry has accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, a charge strongly denied by the Israeli government as ‘distorted and false.’ International leaders have reacted with alarm, with the UN Human Rights Chief condemning the offensive as ‘totally unacceptable.’ The geopolitical ramifications of this conflict are profound, as it strains Israel’s relations with various countries, including the United States [1][4][7].

Implications for Future Negotiations

With the conflict intensifying, diplomatic efforts are being pursued to negotiate a ceasefire. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement, noting a ‘very short window of time’ to end hostilities. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the situation further, highlighting the complex interplay of international diplomacy in this crisis [5][6][8].

Sources

Gaza conflict Israeli military