Israel Launches Ground Offensive to Seize Gaza

DID Press: Israeli military on Tuesday morning (16 September 2025) launched a large-scale ground operation to capture Gaza City, with the declared aim of “eliminating Hamas.” The move has received U.S. support but faces significant opposition within Israel.

According to sources cited by Axios, the ground operation officially began on Monday, 15 September 2025.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation’s objective as “complete eradication of Hamas resistance movement,” but the plan has sparked strong domestic criticism. Families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas accused Netanyahu of “killing” their loved ones, while some senior Israeli security and military officials had previously opposed Gaza takeover.

In recent days, the Israeli military has conducted heavy airstrikes on Gaza, destroying dozens of high-rise residential towers it claims were used for Hamas military purposes.

Simultaneously, Israeli army has instructed roughly one million Gaza residents to move to southern areas designated as “humanitarian zones.” Israeli authorities report that about 300,000 people have already left the city.

On Monday evening, Palestinian media reported intense Israeli air bombardment and the entry of tanks into Gaza City, marking the official start of the ground offensive.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State spoke with Netanyahu by phone, expressing support for the operation while urging a swift and early conclusion to minimize the humanitarian crisis.

The offensive has sparked rising international concern over civilian safety, with human rights organizations warning of widespread displacement and destruction of civilian infrastructure.