Gaza City faces an escalating humanitarian catastrophe as Israeli forces intensify their offensive, pushing deeper into densely populated areas. Recent strikes on Sunday, September 21, 2025, tragically killed at least 31 Palestinians, including a pregnant woman and her two children, according to Gazan health authorities. This grim toll follows a weekend of intense military activity where Israeli tanks advanced, prompting widespread fear and further displacement. The two-year-long conflict continues to devastate the region, drawing sharp international criticism and triggering urgent diplomatic shifts ahead of the UN General Assembly.
Intensifying Israeli Offensive Targets Gaza City
The ongoing Israeli military operation in Gaza City has reached a critical phase. Israeli forces are now operating in multiple parts of the city, which Israel describes as the “last bastion” of Hamas. Since launching its ground assault this month, the military has engaged in an aggressive demolition campaign. Housing blocks, allegedly used by the militant group, are being systematically destroyed. On Sunday, witnesses reported Israeli tanks advancing westward through Tel Al-Hawa, a southeastern suburb. This movement suggests a broader push into central and western parts of the city where much of Gaza City’s population has sought refuge.
The offensive has been relentless. Israeli forces confirmed expanded operations in the Gaza City area over the past few days. On Saturday alone, they reported killing 30 militants and locating various weapons caches. This intensified ground assault, coupled with widespread demolitions, has dramatically altered the urban landscape. Over the past two weeks, military estimates suggest approximately 20 tower blocks have been demolished in Gaza City. Reports from Saturday also indicated a higher death toll, with Gazan health authorities recording at least 60 Palestinian fatalities.
The Unfolding Humanitarian Crisis and Civilian Toll
The human cost of this intensified conflict is profound and growing. Sunday’s strikes saw civilian casualties mount, including a particularly tragic incident where a pregnant woman and her two children lost their lives. Medics confirmed these heartbreaking deaths. Relatives sifted through the rubble of one apartment building, desperately trying to salvage belongings. Mosallam Al-Hadad, the father-in-law of the deceased woman, shared a harrowing account. He described finding his daughter-in-law, her two children, and her unborn baby all gone. His son, severely injured in the same strike, underwent a leg amputation.
Gazan health authorities report that Israel’s two-year campaign has tragically killed over 65,000 Palestinians, with the majority identified as civilians. Beyond the direct casualties, the conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis. Widespread famine now grips the region, and most buildings across the territory have been demolished. Since August 11 alone, Hamas estimates that the Israeli military has destroyed or damaged more than 1,800 residential buildings in Gaza City. Additionally, over 13,000 tents, housing displaced families, have reportedly been destroyed.
Mass Displacement Amid Conflicting Figures
The military operations have triggered a massive exodus from Gaza City. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have fled the city, seeking safety from the advancing forces and relentless demolitions. However, the scale of this displacement remains a point of contention. The Israeli military estimates that more than 450,000 people have departed Gaza City since the beginning of September. Some Israeli media, citing military beliefs, even place this figure higher, at over 500,000.
Conversely, Hamas disputes these numbers. They claim just under 300,000 residents have left the city. Hamas further asserts that approximately 900,000 people, including Israeli hostages, still remain within Gaza City’s limits. The constant threat of strikes and ground operations forces many to abandon their temporary shelters. There are reports of tent camps being dismantled and abandoned as displaced Palestinians seek to flee Gaza City following Israeli evacuation orders. This stark difference in reported figures highlights the chaotic and desperate situation on the ground, making accurate assessments of the remaining population and their needs extremely challenging.
International Condemnation and Diplomatic Shifts
Israel’s intensifying offensive in Gaza City has sparked significant international rebuke. The international community is increasingly concerned about the civilian toll and the humanitarian situation. In a notable diplomatic development, some of Israel’s Western allies are preparing to formally recognize a Palestinian state. This move is anticipated to occur ahead of the annual leaders’ gathering at the UN General Assembly this week.
Specifically, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce Britain’s recognition of Palestinian statehood. This represents a significant departure from long-standing policy. The decision is being pursued despite strong opposition from Israel and disapproval from the United States, Britain’s closest ally. This shift reflects growing international pressure and the urgent need for a political resolution to the conflict. Furthermore, reports indicate that at least 10 countries, including Australia, Belgium, Britain, and Canada, are scheduled to formally recognize an independent Palestinian state on the upcoming Monday.
Domestic Impact: Hostage Crisis and Israeli Protests
The renewed offensive in Gaza City has also heightened anxieties within Israel, particularly among the families of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. Out of the 48 captives believed to remain in Gaza, only approximately 20 are thought to still be alive. This dire situation fuels widespread calls for action. Thousands of Israelis rallied on Saturday night outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence in Jerusalem. Protesters demanded a deal to end the war and secure the immediate release of the remaining hostages.
Michel Illouz, whose son Guy was kidnapped from a music festival during the initial Hamas attacks, publicly expressed his frustration and anger. He accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of leading the country down a “dead-end path” towards “endless war” and “abandoning our loved ones.” Hamas, through its military wing, has also added to the pressure, releasing a montage image of Israeli hostages on Telegram. The group warned that the lives of these captives were at risk due to the ongoing Israeli military operation.
Broader Context of a Two-Year War
The current escalation in Gaza City is set against the backdrop of a conflict that began nearly two years ago. The war was triggered by the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel’s extensive military campaign has reshaped the Gaza Strip. Beyond the staggering loss of life, the campaign has led to widespread famine, the demolition of most buildings, and the repeated displacement of the majority of Gaza’s population.
Amidst these devastating conditions, there are also conflicting narratives surrounding humanitarian aid. Israel maintains that the hunger crisis in Gaza has been exaggerated and places much of the blame on Hamas. COGAT, the Israeli military arm overseeing aid flows, alleged that Hamas fired at UN teams on Saturday. They also claimed Hamas obstructed the opening of a new humanitarian route in the southern Gaza Strip. Hamas, however, categorically rejected these claims. They stated that “criminal gangs,” protected by Israeli firepower and air cover, are responsible for attacking and looting aid trucks. A senior Hamas media official reiterated their consistent calls for UN organizations to conduct their humanitarian and relief work without impediment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current scale of the Israeli military operation in Gaza City?
The Israeli military operation in Gaza City is intense and expanding, focusing on what Israel identifies as Hamas’s “last bastion.” Forces are advancing through suburbs like Tel Al-Hawa and pounding areas like Sheikh Radwan, pushing towards the city’s central and western parts. This involves a ground assault, extensive demolitions of residential buildings—approximately 20 tower blocks in the past two weeks—and reports of killing numerous militants. The objective is to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure, but it comes at a high civilian cost and leads to widespread destruction.
Which countries are expected to recognize a Palestinian state soon, and why?
Ahead of the UN General Assembly this week, several Western allies of Israel are expected to formally recognize an independent Palestinian state. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is anticipated to announce Britain’s recognition, marking a significant policy shift. Reports indicate that at least 10 countries, including Australia, Belgium, Britain, and Canada, are scheduled to follow suit. This diplomatic surge reflects growing international condemnation of Israel’s military actions and a renewed push for a political solution to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Why are displacement figures from Gaza City so disputed, and what does this mean for residents?
Displacement figures from Gaza City vary significantly between Israeli and Hamas accounts. The Israeli military estimates over 450,000 (some reports say >500,000) people have fled since early September. Hamas, however, claims fewer than 300,000 have departed, with approximately 900,000 residents still remaining. This discrepancy highlights the chaotic situation and lack of clear data collection amidst active conflict. For residents, it means immense uncertainty, with many forced to abandon homes and temporary shelters, struggling to find safety and resources in an already devastated and overcrowded territory.
Conclusion
The latest surge in Israeli military operations in Gaza City marks another tragic chapter in the nearly two-year conflict. With 31 Palestinians killed on Sunday and Israeli tanks advancing, the humanitarian situation is increasingly dire. Civilians bear the brunt of the violence, facing mass displacement, famine, and the destruction of their homes. This escalation has not only intensified the suffering in Gaza but has also triggered significant international diplomatic shifts, with several Western nations moving to recognize a Palestinian state. Domestically, Israeli families of hostages continue to rally for their loved ones’ release, underscoring the profound and far-reaching impacts of this enduring crisis on all sides. The world watches as the conflict continues to unfold, with calls for peace and accountability growing louder.
