TEHRAN – Israeli forces on Friday declared Gaza city a “dangerous combat zone” and ended the so-called “tactical halt” that restricted the food industry to the besieged north. The move has heightened the fear of another massive displacement as Israel prepares what appears to be a major ground attack.
After nearly two years of artillery fire and siege, nearly a million Palestinians are reportedly remaining trapped in Gaza’s largest urban centre. Until the announcement, Israeli artillery and fighter jets slammed the outskirts of Gaza city, especially Zeitoun and Sabra. Satellite images show a vast section of these neighborhoods that have been flattened in just a few weeks.
Feryal Ahmed, who survived the Israeli airstrike in Zeitoun, told Al Jazeera she was asleep when the roof fell on top of her. “I threw prayer gowns and called out the children, but the tiles and dust made it impossible to see them.” The civil defense team says hundreds remain trapped under the collapsed building where the whole family was buried alive.
Devastation reflects what rights groups describe as a deliberate campaign to drive civilians south. Israeli tanks have already been pushed deep into Sabra, but reports suggest that security cabinets have surrounded Gaza city, forced civilians to flee, and approved a wider plan by destroying neighbouring areas block-by-block.
On a visit to the troops near Gaza on August 21, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to promote the attack on Gaza city despite global condemnation.
The escalation occurs despite Hamas recently accepting a ceasefire proposal, which the mediators stated “98% of (US Ensoysteve) Witkov’s plans.” Israel refused and instead chose an updated battle.
Analysts and human rights groups argue that this indicates Tel Aviv’s indifference to the negotiated solution. Experts from Amnesty International, B’TSELEM and UN label the campaign genocide, citing systemic attacks and obstructing aid on civilians.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for Netanyahu and former war minister Joa Garant, but Israel is also facing an ICC genocide case.
For Palestinians, the looming attack threatens another forced escape, above almost constant destruction. More than 63,000 people (mostly women and children) have been killed since October 2023, with at least 50 people dead on Friday.
The evacuated residents say they are nowhere left. The southern zone is already crowded, with many people refusing to leave their homes again.
The attack also puts the lives of Israeli prisoners of war. Army Secretary Eyal Zamir warned that the storm in Gaza city could kill hostages and make the tired force even more tense.
Reports show that almost half of Israeli reserves are no longer reporting their missions. Units were depleted, morale collapsed, and essential services were extended. Despite intense resistance, the government has begun blocking ultra-Orthodox men and is considering recruiting from the diaspora community.
Washington’s role sparked fresh scrutiny. President Donald Trump hosted Israeli officials at the White House on Wednesday, instructing Jared Kushner and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to draft a “next day” plan for Gaza. Palestinians fear that projects combined with mass displacement may indicate an attempt to cleanse ethnic under the guise of reconstruction.
On the other hand, the reality within Gaza is unbearable. Civilians report non-stop artillery fire, snipers set fire to the streets of the house and family buried in tiled rubs. The armed resistance group continues to release footage of Zeitoun’s attack on Israeli forces, but for ordinary families, the choice is tough.
Several European governments, including Ireland, Spain and Norway, denounced Israel’s plans and urged an immediate halt. However, Netanyahu is considered to be an occupation, with Washington sketching postwar governance and Israeli forces moving forward every day, Palestinians face yet another chapter of evacuation, destruction and bloodshed, as the world sees.