IDF Intensifies Strikes on Gaza City Ahead of the Expected Ground Operation

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched an intense wave of air and artillery strikes across Gaza City overnight, targeting the north and west of the city, including the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the escalation, writing on the X platform:

“Gaza is burning. The IDF is striking with an iron fist at the terror infrastructure... We will not relent and we will not back down – until the mission is completed.”

The latest escalation comes as the military prepares for a full-scale ground operation in Gaza City, despite concerns from both legal and humanitarian circles — and amid mounting fears from families of the hostages still held by Hamas.

Thousands Flee Gaza City as Airstrikes Intensify

Reports from inside the Gaza Strip indicate that thousands of residents are fleeing southward, attempting to escape the heavy bombardment. However, eyewitnesses describe congested roads and slow-moving traffic as exits from the city become overwhelmed.

According to Gaza health authorities, 34 Palestinians were killed and 316 injured in the past 24 hours due to Israeli strikes. Targets included high-rise buildings, residential homes, and civilians reportedly waiting in line for water near the Hamama school.

Despite previous evacuation orders issued by the IDF, estimates suggest that only around 300,000 residents — roughly a quarter of the city’s population — have left so far. Military officials expect the start of the ground operation to prompt a larger exodus, but between 200,000 and 250,000 people are still expected to remain in northern Gaza, including Gaza City.

 Chief of Staff Overruled Military Advocate General

The decision to evacuate Gaza City was reportedly made by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, despite direct opposition from Military Advocate General Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi.

Tomer-Yerushalmi had warned Zamir that the legality of such a mass evacuation could not be assured, especially given the lack of adequate infrastructure to absorb the displaced population in southern Gaza. She urged a delay in issuing the evacuation order. Despite her objections, Zamir convened a meeting with Southern Command Commander Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman and COGAT head Maj. Gen. Rasan Alian — without including the MAG — and ordered the evacuation to proceed.

"Operation Could End in Another Tragedy"

The planned ground invasion — codenamed “Merkavot Gideon II” — has sparked renewed anguish among the families of the kidnapped Israelis still held in Gaza. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a scathing statement, accusing the government of ignoring military assessments in favor of political objectives:

“We were not presented with any plan that would ensure that Operation Merkavot Gideon II would not turn into the murder of the Six II.”

They further warned that the operation increases the risk to the lives of hostages, citing warnings from POW officers who told families that the IDF lacks precise intelligence on hostage locations.

The families also condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying:

“The Prime Minister is consciously choosing to sacrifice the kidnapped on the altar of political considerations, while completely avoiding the position of the Chief of Staff and security officials.”

Military Leaders Push for Deal Before Full Invasion

In closed-door discussions, IDF Chief of Staff Zamir and senior commanders have reportedly urged the political leadership to pursue a partial hostage release deal before committing to an extensive ground campaign. Military officials argue that a full occupation of Gaza City could take a prolonged period, incur heavy casualties, and significantly strain Israel’s reserve forces — all while jeopardizing the lives of the hostages.

As the situation in Gaza City deteriorates rapidly, the Israeli public faces a complex and agonizing dilemma: whether to prioritize military pressure on Hamas or focus on securing the release of the remaining hostages. Meanwhile, disputes within Israel’s security establishment over the legality and wisdom of current operations highlight growing internal tensions — even as the war rages on.