Israel Launches Ground Assault on Gaza City Amid Global Outcry
Israel initiated a significant ground assault on Gaza City on October 30, 2023, despite widespread international condemnation. As the conflict escalates, Palestinians are fleeing the largest urban area in the Gaza Strip amid intense bombardment. The Israeli military’s incursion began on the outskirts of the city, where airstrikes and the destruction of high-rise buildings have intensified over the past week.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are targeting what they describe as “terror infrastructures” in their campaign, which aims to secure the release of hostages and defeat Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is at a “critical stage” in the conflict, with Gaza City identified as a primary stronghold of Hamas.
The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations have warned that the ongoing assault is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where parts of the territory have been officially declared under famine conditions. Approximately one million people, nearly half of Gaza’s population, reside in and around Gaza City. While Israel has urged residents to evacuate, IDF reports indicate that only about 40% of the population has left the area, a figure that has not been independently verified.
Netanyahu’s decision to proceed with the ground operation, despite rising international criticism and concerns from his own security officials, highlights his government’s determination to continue military actions on its terms. On the same day, an independent UN inquiry reported findings suggesting that Israel may be committing genocide in Gaza, asserting that civilians are being targeted collectively due to their identity as Palestinians. Israel has categorically rejected these claims, calling the report “distorted and false.”
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Residents Flee
As the assault on Gaza City intensifies, the humanitarian crisis deepens. On October 30, at least 86 Palestinians were reported killed in northern Gaza, with over 100 casualties across the enclave, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Residents of Gaza City have begun to evacuate, carrying what few belongings they can salvage. Footage from CNN showed extensive destruction in neighborhoods such as Sheikh Radwan, where homes have been completely flattened.
Maysar Al Adwan, a resident of Gaza City, expressed the overwhelming fear felt by civilians. “Fear, fear, it’s all fear,” he noted, recounting a night filled with explosions. The assault on Gaza City was initially planned to commence only after a mass evacuation to the al-Mawasi area, according to Israeli security cabinet discussions from August. However, current conditions reveal that only a fraction of aid facilities expected to open are operational, leaving many residents without access to essential supplies.
One mother, Rawan Al Salmoni, shared her trauma as she held her toddler outside a destroyed building. She described the mental exhaustion from repeated evacuations and the fear of being caught in the bombardment. “We said by God, we will die here. It’s a miracle that we left,” she said.
As families flee, the Al-Rashid Street coastal highway has become congested with vehicles trying to move south. Ahmad Abul-hal, standing atop a pickup truck, captured the desperation felt by many: “Do you think we’re fleeing to go on a picnic? We’re fleeing the destruction and the ruins.”
Calls for Global Action and Escalating Tensions
The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, has called for immediate international intervention to halt the invasion of Gaza City, stating, “It’s absolutely clear that this carnage must stop.” He urged the global community to demand peace, emphasizing the unacceptable escalation of violence.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has also appealed for international intervention, urging the United States to take action. Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesman for the PA presidency, characterized the current escalation as a potential war crime against humanity, warning it could further destabilize the region.
Despite these calls, Israel enjoys substantial backing from the United States, highlighted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio‘s recent visit to Jerusalem. Rubio asserted the need for Hamas to release hostages and relinquish power, suggesting that military operations may be necessary for a decisive outcome.
In response to the ongoing assault, Hamas described the Gaza City offensive as an “unprecedented barbaric Zionist escalation.” An Israeli military official noted that up to 3,000 Hamas militants might be present in Gaza City, although this represents a small fraction of the area’s population.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further military operations as the IDF continues its campaign. The conflict in Gaza City highlights the complex humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing violence.
