Intensified Attack on Gaza City Promised by Israel
In the heart of the Middle East, the city of Gaza has been plunged into chaos as Israel launched a ground offensive against Hamas forces on the night of September 15 to 16, 2025. The operation, aimed at neutralizing Hamas and destroying their tunnel network beneath the city, has resulted in a surge of violence that has left at least 15 deaths since the early hours of Tuesday, according to Gaza's civil defence agency.
The Israeli army's move comes amidst ongoing peace talks aimed at ending the conflict. However, the offensive seems to have been triggered by Israel's claims that Hamas used the Al-Roya tower for intelligence gathering and planted explosives in it. This assertion has been met with a strong response from Hamas, who describe Netanyahu's threat as an "explicit act of forced displacement."
The White House has not released any details about a potential proposal, but US President Donald Trump has issued a "last warning" to Hamas, threatening consequences if they do not accept the terms for ending the war. Hamas, on the other hand, is reportedly ready to "immediately sit at the negotiating table" following some proposed ideas from the American side.
The Israeli military's Arabic-language spokesman, Avichay Adraee, stated that the defense forces are determined to defeat Hamas and will act with great force in the Gaza City area. This determination was evident in the air strikes that continued across Gaza City, with AFP footage showing the Al-Roya tower crashing to the ground moments after being struck.
The offensive has forced many residents to flee their homes. Khaled Khuwaiter, a 36-year-old resident of Gaza City, expressed his concern about where to go as bombing and killings are everywhere. An AFP photographer in Gaza City saw planes drop hundreds of leaflets urging residents to flee southwards.
However, media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties in accessing many areas make it difficult for AFP to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defence agency or the Israeli military. Reports suggest that as of now, 47 hostages remain in Gaza, including 25 believed to be dead.
The assault to seize Gaza City is taking place despite Hamas' agreement last month to a ceasefire proposal that involved a 60-day truce and staggered hostage releases. However, Israel has demanded the militant group release all hostages at once, a demand that has not been met.
The situation in Gaza City is rapidly evolving, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging residents to evacuate via the Al-Rashid axis. The conflict has taken a heavy toll on the city's residents, with Laila Saqr, a resident of Gaza City, describing ongoing bombings and ambulances carrying martyrs.
As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift resolution to the conflict and a return to peace in Gaza City. Trump's statement that "you'll be hearing about it pretty soon" leaves many wondering what the future holds for this war-torn city.
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