Israel is significantly escalating its military actions across the Gaza Strip, unleashing intensive waves of airstrikes and expanding ground operations. This sharp increase in violence follows recent displacement orders that have prompted tens of thousands of residents to flee northern areas, pushing them into already overwhelmed southern coastal zones. The renewed offensive deepens a severe humanitarian crisis in the devastated territory, even as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes.
Scores of Palestinians, including many civilians, have been killed in the latest bombardments. Local officials and medical sources have reported heavy casualties as israeli forces target areas across Gaza. The intensifying violence coincides with high-level diplomatic movements, including the planned arrival of a senior Israeli official in Washington for talks aimed at securing a new ceasefire agreement.
Escalation and Mass Displacement
The recent surge in Israeli military activity began following new “evacuation orders” issued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). These directives warned of imminent assaults, particularly around densely populated Gaza City. Residents in these areas were instructed to move south towards coastal regions already struggling to cope with the vast number of previously displaced people.
Conditions in these designated safe zones are dire, marked by limited shelter, scarce facilities, and a severe lack of essential resources like clean water. Reports indicate that roughly 80% of the Gaza Strip is now either under direct IDF control or subject to these displacement orders. This has created a chaotic and desperate situation for families attempting to find safety.
Witnesses described scenes of turmoil as people gathered their few remaining possessions. They used any available means of transport, including battered trucks, donkey carts, and improvised vehicles, or simply fled on foot. For many, this marks multiple times they have been forced to relocate since the conflict began, leading to widespread exhaustion and despair. Some residents, feeling unsafe anywhere, have reportedly chosen to disregard the new orders and stay put, accepting their fate.
The IDF announced plans to advance into the center of Gaza City, stating their objective is to engage hamas fighters operating there. On Monday, Israeli tanks and infantry units pushed into the Zeitoun neighborhood on the eastern edge of the city. Shelling was reported in several northern areas, and residents witnessed aircraft bombing schools where hundreds of families had been sheltering after ordering them to leave. Explosions were constant, described by one resident as feeling like earthquakes.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The humanitarian situation across Gaza continues to deteriorate drastically under the weight of the intensified offensive and ongoing restrictions. The United Nations reports that a significant majority of the territory is now either within Israeli militarized zones or under displacement orders. The intensity of recent airstrikes, particularly on Tuesday, led to hundreds of deaths in a single day, with many casualties being women and children. Hospital officials described it as the deadliest day since the conflict began 17 months prior.
Aid access remains severely limited, exacerbating the crisis. According to the UN humanitarian chief, a blockage on aid deliveries that began in March had reversed modest gains made during a previous ceasefire period. During that time, over 4,000 supply trucks were entering Gaza weekly. Since the cutoff, essential supplies have barely trickled in, leading to severe shortages of food, fuel, and other basics.
Aid rationing is becoming common. Israeli power cuts have impacted clean water access for hundreds of thousands in southern Gaza, vegetable prices have soared in the north, and UN-subsidized bakeries have closed due to lack of cooking gas. UNICEF staff reported hearing intense explosions, feeling buildings shake, and seeing strikes hitting tents and structures housing displaced families, resulting in child deaths.
Adding to the dire situation, there have been disturbing reports of violence impacting aid distribution. Hospitals have received bodies of individuals reportedly shot while trying to access aid sites. Ten others were killed at a UN aid warehouse. The Israeli military acknowledged that Palestinian civilians seeking food had been harmed at distribution points, stating instructions had been issued after “lessons learned.” Israel alleges Hamas steals aid, which Hamas denies, and aid agencies maintain their monitoring systems are robust. Aid distribution efforts, including a new US-backed initiative called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, are struggling to meet the needs of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Some humanitarian groups have criticized initiatives like the GHF, viewing them with suspicion given the breakdown of previous systems and concerns about using aid to facilitate forced displacement.
Amidst the conflict and displacement, reports emerged regarding potential long-term relocation plans for Palestinians outside Gaza. One report indicated the Trump administration was considering a plan to permanently relocate up to 1 million Palestinians to Libya. While described as being under serious consideration, no agreement was reached, and a U.S. spokesperson later denied these reports.
Diplomatic Efforts Amidst Violence
The intensification of Israel’s military campaign is occurring concurrently with diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict. Ron Dermer, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was scheduled to arrive in Washington for meetings with senior US officials. These discussions were expected to cover ongoing indirect negotiations with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and the release of hostages, as well as regional diplomatic possibilities and the aftermath of recent Israeli actions involving Iran.
Netanyahu has publicly stated his goals are to end the war “as soon as possible” by achieving the release of hostages and defeating Hamas. A US official noted that Netanyahu is also scheduled to visit the US on July 7 to meet Donald Trump.
The timing of Israel’s offensive has drawn analysis, with some observers suggesting military pressure is being used strategically. Israeli officials have reportedly indicated that the latest campaign, which began in May after a previous ceasefire collapsed in March, aims in part to seize territory. This land could potentially be used as a “bargaining chip” in future negotiations. The IDF chief of staff recently commented that the offensive was nearing the achievement of its goals.
Negotiation Standstill and Domestic Pressure
Despite the ongoing diplomatic track, officials close to the negotiations describe reaching a deal as difficult. The primary obstacle remains the incompatible demands from both sides. Hamas insists on a definitive end to the war and refuses to disarm. Israel, conversely, refuses to fully withdraw from Gaza and states its campaign will only conclude when Hamas is disarmed and its leaders leave the territory.
Inside Israel, there is growing pressure to end the conflict. Opposition leader Yair Lapid publicly called for the war to cease, arguing it no longer benefits Israel and is causing security, political, and economic damage. He stated that the army has no further objectives in Gaza. This sentiment is supported by public opinion; recent polls indicate that nearly two-thirds of Israelis want the war to end, a consistent finding over recent months. Rising casualties among Israeli soldiers have contributed to this public pressure for a deal.
The conflict originally erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military response has killed over 56,500 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, displaced almost the entire population of 2.3 million people, and caused vast destruction across the Gaza Strip.
The resumption of intense strikes and military pressure has also caused alarm among the families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Groups representing the families have voiced fears that renewed fighting endangers their loved ones and have urged the government to prioritize negotiations for their immediate release.
International reactions to Israel’s intensified strikes were varied. The White House reportedly supported Israel’s actions, blaming Hamas for the renewed hostilities. Other nations and international bodies expressed alarm and condemned the violence. The UN Secretary-General and Human Rights Chief called for the ceasefire to be respected, aid to resume, and hostages to be released. Turkey and Iran condemned Israel’s actions strongly, accusing it of genocide. South Africa expressed concern, referencing its ICJ case. Lebanon’s Hezbollah also condemned the strikes. Key mediators Egypt and Qatar, alongside Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, criticized the attacks as violations of international law and the ceasefire, warning of regional destabilization and urging immediate intervention. France also condemned civilian casualties and called for a halt to hostilities, while Australia urged for the previous ceasefire to be maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Israel increasing Gaza airstrikes now?
Israel is intensifying its military operations, including airstrikes and ground advances, following new displacement orders for northern Gaza. This surge coincides with a senior Israeli adviser’s visit to Washington for ceasefire talks. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated his goals are to secure hostage releases and defeat Hamas, and some analysts suggest military pressure is applied strategically during negotiation periods, potentially to create “bargaining chips.”
How are displacement orders affecting civilians and aid in Gaza?
New displacement orders are forcing tens of thousands from northern Gaza into already overcrowded southern areas with minimal resources like shelter and clean water. This exacerbates a dire humanitarian crisis. Aid access is severely restricted, leading to shortages of food and fuel. There are reports of violence at aid distribution sites, and aid efforts are struggling to meet the needs of the 2.3 million population.
What is preventing a ceasefire deal in Gaza?
Reaching a ceasefire deal remains difficult due to fundamentally incompatible positions between Israel and Hamas. Hamas demands a permanent end to the war and refuses to disarm. Israel rejects Hamas’s demand for a full withdrawal and insists its military campaign will only stop when Hamas is disarmed and its leaders leave Gaza. Domestic political pressure in Israel is growing to end the war, but the negotiation impasse persists.
