by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff
JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – The long-anticipated Israeli ground invasion of Gaza City erupted late Monday night, with IDF tanks rolling into the heart of the city in what Palestinian sources described as the most intense fighting in northern Gaza in two years.
The operation comes after weeks of escalating Israeli airstrikes that brought down dozens of high-rise buildings and leveled neighborhoods in preparation for the assault. The Jerusalem Post confirmed the start of the invasion, reporting that the campaign marks a major turning point in Israel’s war with Hamas.
Mass Civilian Flight, But Hundreds of Thousands Remain
According to Israeli estimates, more than 300,000 residents have fled south in recent days, though as many as 700,000 civilians remain inside Gaza City. The IDF had hoped for a mass evacuation similar to what occurred in Rafah earlier this year, but tens of thousands continue to shelter in place as heavy bombardments shake the city.
Palestinian media reported a wave of intense airstrikes in the city’s northwestern sector, accompanied by helicopter fire and artillery shelling. Arab outlets said at least four people were killed in a strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp, while others began fleeing once tanks were spotted moving into northern Gaza.
The effects of the assault could be felt across the border: residents in central Israel reported windows shattered in Netivot from the force of explosions. In Sderot, local resident Nir Vaknin said his home shook repeatedly from the blasts. “We are glad to see the beginning of the conquest of Gaza City, but we are deeply worried for the soldiers’ safety and of course for the hostages, whose lives are hanging in the balance,” he said.
Debate Inside Israel’s Defense Establishment
The invasion has stirred controversy both internationally and inside Israel’s defense establishment. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir reportedly opposed the move but chose not to resign after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to proceed. Zamir has instead sought to moderate the offensive to limit risks to Israeli hostages, soldiers, and Palestinian civilians.
Netanyahu has defended the decision, arguing that the ground assault is necessary to deal Hamas a final blow after two years of heavy losses. “Invading Gaza City will further defeat Hamas,” he said in recent remarks.
Trump Warns Hamas Over Hostages
The operation comes amid heightened concern for the fate of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Hamas may have moved the hostages above ground to use as human shields.
“This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before. Don’t let this happen or, ALL ‘BETS’ ARE OFF. RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES NOW!” Trump wrote.
Netanyahu later thanked Trump for his “unflinching support for Israel’s battle against Hamas and the release of all our hostages.”
Hostage Families Slam Government
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a blistering statement Monday night, warning that the invasion may seal the fate of their loved ones.
“After 710 nights of being held captive by terrorists, tonight could be the final night for hostages who are barely surviving,” the forum said. “Prime Minister Netanyahu bears personal responsibility for the fate of the hostages. The people of Israel will not forgive the sacrifice of the hostages and soldiers. The writing is on the wall.”
Family members of several hostages, including Einav Zangauker, Ofir Braslavski, and Anat Angrest, set out for the Prime Minister’s residence in Jerusalem to protest.
What Comes Next?
The IDF has mobilized three regular divisions to advance into Gaza City from multiple directions. Military planners expect the takeover to take two to three months, though clearing the area of militants, weapons, and underground infrastructure could take longer.
Israel Hayom reported that the IDF hopes the campaign may be interrupted if Hamas agrees to a hostage deal once it realizes its grip on Gaza City is slipping. For now, however, there is no indication such a deal is imminent.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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