by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched the second phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, pushing deeper into Gaza City in an effort to dismantle Hamas’ remaining strongholds.
The offensive, approved by Israel’s political leadership, comes after a week of intensified Israeli Air Force strikes that targeted dozens of high-rise buildings used as Hamas command centers and weapons depots. Artillery and armored units prepared the battlefield ahead of the ground assault.
Multiple Divisions Enter Gaza City
Two IDF divisions – the 162nd and elite 98th Division of paratroopers and commandos – are now fighting inside the city. A third force, the 36th Division, is set to join in the coming days. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has positioned himself with frontline commanders inside the Strip to oversee operations.
“We have defeated Hamas wherever we reach, and we will continue decisively until Hamas is crushed,” a senior security source said.
The military says more than 70,000 reservists are currently mobilized, with an additional 60,000 on standby. In total, 130,000 reservists are expected to serve until early 2026.
Hostages Remain Central War Aim
Lt.-Gen. Zamir emphasized that rescuing Israeli hostages remains a national priority.
“All our operations are carried out with the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas before our eyes,” he said in a video statement. “The return of our hostages is a war aim and a national and moral commitment.”
The concern for hostages has grown after Hamas released new footage showing captives in Gaza. IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin pledged the army would “do its best” to safeguard them while maintaining pressure on Hamas.
Hamas Accused of Using Civilians as Human Shields
Israeli officials reiterated that Hamas is blocking civilians from leaving Gaza City. “Hamas set up in Gaza City the largest human shield in history,” Defrin said. “It prevents them from evacuating from combat zones, while using violence.”
Despite the fighting, the IDF says it is meeting humanitarian obligations. Over 20,000 family tents are being erected, 300 food trucks enter Gaza daily, and water pipelines are operating at record capacity. The IDF also claims more than 350,000 Palestinians have evacuated Gaza City in recent weeks.
Deepening the Offensive
The IDF says its forces are striking Hamas command posts, booby-trapped buildings, and observation towers with support from the Air Force and Navy. Officials report control over large areas of Gaza City, including parts of Zeitoun, Sheikh Radwan, and Jabalia.
“In this campaign, we are acting to defeat a terror organization that openly declares its goal is to eliminate the State of Israel,” Zamir said. “We have broken the backbone of Hamas’ military power and are pressing forward until its final defeat.”
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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